ganising of premieres that exceed the expected standards – from monumen- tal scenography, via carefully selected locations, to exclusive parties requir- ing a gold stamped invitation to enter. Alongside cast members, those red car- pets are often also walked by other big names: colleagues, friends of the direc- tor, legendary producers and celebrities wanting to show their support. choreographed events that are simulta- neously spontaneous and closely man- aged. At the world premiere of Franken- stein that we attended at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the audi- ence had the chance to meet Jacob Elor- di, Mia Goth, Oscar Isaac, and even di- rector Guillermo del Toro. After photo opportunities and nav- igating the press barriers, security staff The red carpet as a ritual of power Premiere arrivals often resemble direct guests towards the main en- trance. In the building of the museum itself, the audience patiently travers- es several levels to reach the third floor, where the 939-seat auditorium is locat- ed — representing one of the few loca- tions in Los Angeles to perfectly com- bine architectural monumentality and modern technology. And, as tradition dictates, the screening rarely starts on time: a delay of 15 to 30 minutes is part of the evening’s inevitable dramaturgy. Immediately prior to the start of the film, the audience collective- ly stands to applaud the actors and au- thors, with their presentation on stage long considered an integral element of Hollywood ceremonialism. Hollywood’s invisible ecosystem Following the screening, selected guests, including members of the Film Academy, Golden Globes, various crit- ics’ associations, producers and pub- licists are invited to a reception in the museum’s attic. This space has been designed to enable the subtle inter- weaving of professional and social in- teractions. It is quite possible when you find yourself in such an environment to be standing beside Nicole Kidman, Leonardo DiCaprio or Steven Spiel-
U ovakvom okruženju sasvim je moguće da se nađete tik do Nikol Kidman ili Leonarda Dikaprija It is quite possible when you find yourself in such an environment to be standing beside Nicole Kidman or Leonardo DiCaprio
berg, who turned up, for example, at the premiere of Hamnet, which he pro- duced. Open bars are provided and hors d'oeuvres are served discreet- ly, distributed at several points to ease the movement of all guests. And while some will dedicate them- selves to the evening’s gastronomic of- fering, others will seek out opportu- nities with professional precision: by chatting with an agent, manager or producer. In Hollywood, where a sin- gle business card or a minute of can- did conversation can change the course of careers, such moments carry special weight. It seems opportunistic, but it is actually part of the logic of the industry, which relies on spontaneity and being present, and sometimes on sheer luck. The ritual of spectacle The pinnacle of Hollywood luxu- ry is usually reserved for the end of the year. And so it was that last De- cember’s world premiere of the third instalment in the Avatar franchise at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre served to once again confirm the reputation of American cinema’s most important au- ditorium. Apart from James Cameron himself, the audience was able to meet Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldaña and Miley Cyrus, while an entire section of Hollywood Boulevard was closed to traffic in order to setup installations featuring a monumental letter A spit- ting fire — as a clear reference to the film’s Fire and Ash subtitle. Following the three-hour spectacle, a reception covered three floors of the theatre, which has a capacity exceeding 3000 seats. It is more difficult to meet people spontaneously at these kinds of premieres, but with a little patience and careful observation of the space, it is quite possible to get to Cameron him-
self, who is known for being genuine- ly interested in conversation even when he discovers that you’re a journalist fol- lowing cinematography in Serbia. Private receptions Hollywood is also known for its ex- clusive private parties, especially those reserved for members of the Acade- my and Golden Globes. The value of these events isn’t measured in terms of glamour, but rather in terms of intima- cy: conversations are more candid and the atmosphere is more relaxed, ensur- ing significantly greater opportunities for professional networking. Popular lo- cations include Soho House West Hol- lywood, the Ross House, the London West Hollywood, the Four Seasons and, occasionally, Chateau Marmont — an iconic site of Hollywood mythology. If you’re brought along by an in- vited friend as their companion, con- sider yourself lucky: Hollywood has been slowly returning to its exclusive nature in recent years, with access to such gatherings becoming increasing- ly limited. However, you’ll often find warmth and cordiality among attend- ees, from the likes of Kate Winslet and Demi Moore, via Kate Hudson and Dwayne Johnson, to Jessie Buckley, Jamie Lee Curtis, George Clooney or even Kim Kardashian, who – despite expectations – has won over a large part of the industry. We should nonetheless keep in mind one unwritten rule: Holly- wood’s circle of people is smaller than it seems. Everyone knows everyone else. That’s why attentiveness and dis- cretion aren’t just recommendations – they are basic elements of conduct in a world where the boundaries between the professional and the private inter- twine each evening.
Hollywood » Holivud | 45
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