Opening notes for Tribeca, courtesy of Elton John
By Jake Coyle, Entertainment Writer
NEW YORK (AP) --In a waterfront celebration a stone’s throw from where the World Trade Center towers stood, the 10th annual Tribeca Film Festival opened with music and a movie Wednesday.
Tribeca has made flashy, populist festivities a central component over the years, so Elton John was a good fit. First, Cameron Crowe’s documentary on the collaboration between John and Leon Russell, “The Union,” screened. It was followed by a short performance by John.
“I’m honored. I’m frightened,” said John, introducing the film he had yet to see himself.
The event was held outdoors and for free at the World Financial Plaza downtown, where the hole in the skyline is still deeply felt and the rebuilding construction is prominent. The locale was fitting, since it was the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, that initially drove Robert De Niro, producer Jane Rosenthal and her husband, the entrepreneur Craig Hatkoff, to found the festival with the aim of revitalizing its namesake neighborhood and downtown Manhattan.
“The Tribeca Film Festival started nine years ago with a flash of inspiration and a surge of passion,” said Rosenthal. “I could have never have imagined that we would find ourselves here today nearly a decade later.”
The festival trotted out other attractions too, including a performance of “Walk Like an Egyptian” by the Bangles with the PS22 elementary school choir, remarks from comedian Denis Leary and an introduction from Martin Scorsese.
“For me, movies and music have been inseparable. They always have been and they always will be,” said Scorsese. “And I know that the same holds true for Cameron Crowe.”
“The Union” documents the studio sessions between John and his idol, Russell, a famed singer, songwriter and piano player who was a ubiquitous session player early in his career and has been a sometimes-forgotten legend from the earlier days of rock ‘n’ roll.
Crowe, whose films include “Almost Famous” and “Say Anything,” captures the two musicians working with producer T Bone Burnett and John’s longtime lyricist, Bernie Taupin, as well as numerous guest musicians. Though Russell is apprehensive at the start of the collaboration — which would result in the album “The Union” — the 69-year-old is gradually stirred (subtly since he hides behind a cloud of white hair and beard) and enlivened by the work.
Russell, who underwent serious brain surgery during the film, wasn’t in attendance Wednesday but instead sent a video to thank Tribeca. Crowe, on location for another film, also sent a video message. (Crowe is represented for commercials and branded content by Moxie Pictures.)
Opening with “The Union” sets the table for a Tribeca littered with music-related films. Among those in the lineup are documentaries on Kings of Leon (“Talihina Sky”), Ozzy Osbourne (“God Bless Ozzy Osbourne”), the Swell Season (“The Swell Season”) and Carol Channing (“Carol Channing: Larger Than Life”).
As the cool air floated off the Hudson River on Wednesday night, the conditions weren’t ideal for music playing. Between “Tiny Dancer” and “Rocket Man,” John confessed his hands were “ice.”
The coming music documentaries — and many other films — should be cozier in movie theaters throughout the festival’s run, through May 1.
Park Pictures Signs Director Rachel Morrison
Park Pictures now represents director Rachel Morrison for commercial filmmaking. Morrison first came into prominence as a cinematographer, working on indie features, television, and blockbuster hits, which put her on the path toward her directing career. Her feature film directorial debut, “The Fire Inside,” is set for wide theatrical release by MGM on Christmas Day 2024.
Morrison has a background in photojournalism and a master’s degree from the American Film Institute. She made history as the first woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Cinematography for her work on “Mudbound,” directed by Dee Rees. Morrison was also the first woman to lens a Marvel film, “Black Panther.” She also served as cinematographer for hit movies like “Dope,” “Fruitvale Station,” and the Emmy-nominated Netflix documentary “What Happened Miss Simone?”
As a director, Morrison has helmed many campaigns for brands like IKEA, Netflix, Gap, Michelob Ultra, Ford, a spot for Nissan starring Brie Larson, and a Coach ad starring Michael B. Jordan. She also directed many episodes of television for shows like “The Mandalorian,” “The Morning Show,” “American Crime Story: Impeachment,” “Hightown,” and “American Crime.”
“I believe in humanity above all else,” remarked Morrison. “Park Pictures similarly puts emotional and relatable storytelling first. Everyone I’ve met there is driven to push the envelope forward and create memorable and visual films. I’m excited to sign with Park and look forward to furthering my commercial career with them.”
Jackie Kelman Bisbee, founding partner of Park Pictures, added, “Her work is at once grounded and elegant. She deeply understands everyone’s process both behind the... Read More