It’s now 12:20 AM as I type this — Which translates to 3:20 AM our time back east (we still haven’t adjusted to the whole
west coast time thing…probably will just in time to come home tomorrow). The combination of Chasing Amy screening around
fifteen minutes late, setting up, and the fact that the Q&A itself ran for over an hour and a half has us now running
over an hour late. It was bound to happen. No fault of anyone in charge, really – There’s been little to no downtime during
the entire day. It’s just taking this long to make its way through the program.
The numbers have thinned down a bit — Seems we’re at around 75% capacity now. I overheard some folks who were hitting
the road just because they were too darn tired to stay awake.
The super-extended cut of Jersey Girl did indeed contain every shot, inserted back in. Aside from a few music cues that
came and went due to extended dialogue, it was seamless. A true highlight is the opening 40 minutes of the film featuring
Jen and Ben working together. Despite the teasing from crtics, the couple work together quite well and the relationship
that’s built on screen helps to hammer home the points made later in the film. It’s very touching, and those opening
moments have actually become among my favorites of entire thing.
Following Jersey Girl, Kevin treats the audience to a short blooper reel, featuring the usual ad-libbing, cracking up
repeatedly (Jason Lee, of course) and yes, even some Affleck nudity. Can’t help but imagine that some of the females in
attendance feel they got their $75 worth there alone.
“Oh, What a Lovely Tea Party” is now screening. Jen Schwalbach (now blonde!) and Malcolm Ingram, the filmmakers, stepped
out to briefly kick off the film. This is the first time we’re seeing this footage anywhere. So far, the film is
chronologically going through the Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back shoot, starting with the E! News Daily footage, which was
the first shot for the film, interestingly enough. Spliced in throughout are bits of interviews with what looks to be
every cast member from the film. There’s no narration; the on-the-set chatter and inteviewees are our guides.
Just want to send quick shout-out thanks to the following folks who were overly kind to us this visit: Kevin Smith, Scott
Mosier, Marilyn, Smalls, Mike, Scott, and the countless numbers of fine people who stopped to introduce themselves to us (including
a nice chunk of folks who travelled all the way over from the UK — some true fans there). Thanks to everyone for reading,
and for your continued support.
Once we’re back east, we’ll revisit this page, update the pics we have better versions of, and of course be adding in some
fan stories, other photos, and much more. Vulgarthon West will go down in the books with a lot of milestones — And you
know we’ll be back for another one next year (which Kevin suggested might contain FOUR films rather than 5, just to make
the day a bit shorter).
If we even get this one posted, this will most certainly be the last update for the day. We thank you for sticking with
us throughout this very exciting, but tiring, Monday. Keep your eyes on News Askew all this week. We’ll have more.
