> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # It’s a wrap on an eclectic film fest - URL: https://www.smdp.com/its-a-wrap-on-an-eclectic-film-fest/ - Published: 2008-07-04T15:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-25T00:19:42.000Z - Author: Guest Author - Tags: Entertainment, Santa Monica, #archive-import *By TAYLOR VAN ARSDALE Special to the Daily Press* It’s almost the weekend and I feel as though I’ve run a marathon every day, which seems to be the consensus for folks attending the L.A. Film Festival — fun, but physically draining. This time I’m at the “X-Files: I Want To Believe” sneak peak, an event besieged by hundreds of sci-fi fans; mostly women, who “totally love David Duchovny” and scream like frenzied teenagers at a rock concert, playing havoc with my digital recorder. Also in attendance are director/writer Chris Carter and screenwriter Frank Spotnitz who clearly embrace their fans. Carter says, “I try to \[personally\] answer as many e-mails as I can.” Duchovny seems to take his fame in stride, nonchalantly cracking jokes while engaging a rapt audience. None of the producers want to give up information about the plot, even the fans says Spotnitz, “Are actually supportive of the secrecy.” When questioned about what will surprise people most Carter laughingly says, “There’s no full frontal nudity,” to which Duchovny adds, “Hey, I tried!” but it looks (from trailers online) that Scully and Mulder finally get to have that much anticipated make out session. That’s all I’m saying for now. Two days later … it’s closing night at Guillermo del Toro’s “Hellboy II: The Golden Army” premiere; and I’ve made it to the red carpet. Just as I am thinking, “Why didn’t I invest in some serious tanning crème?” a pallid Danny Elfman strolls by. Next to him I look like Lil’ Kim and pray he stands near me all night. The congenial, though slightly reserved composer (former lead singer for Oingo Boingo), graciously musters a “Hello, Santa Monica Daily.” Director/Actor Jon Favreau (“Iron Man”) and his wife, Joy, excited about the premiere, stop to chat on their way in. Seth MacFarlane, who voiced Johann Kraus, adds, “This was a blast … something outside of my usual fare.” Selma Blair, with two films at LAFF says, “I feel very honored,” before being whisked away by her publicist. Incidentally, her performance in Lori Petty’s “Poker House” is astonishing, and Petty, whose directorial debut is one of the most solid at the festival, gives me a hearty, “Hey Taylor, how’s it going?” First-time directors from LAFF are also present such as Utah-based Seth Packard (“Hottie BoombaLottie”) who looks like he’s 13 years old (he’s actually 25). He says, “I love the atmosphere \[here\], how everybody here appreciates film.” A reporter from News2Air gives me a nudge; the “hot blonde dude” standing to my right is “somebody.” The “HBD” is British actor, Luke Goss, (evil Prince Nuada), and he’s only too happy to chat and I’m only too happy to listen. Goss first worked with del Toro in “Blade 2” who he describes as a “great lover of spirit and compassion” whose “magnificence is intimidating.” On obtaining his role, Goss says, “It was one of those pinch me moments.” He wondered if, “Ashton Kutcher was going to show up and, tell me to get out of here.” Goss, in his blue pinstripe suit, crisp white shirt and sharp shoes, is “hugely flattered” when I tell him he’s the best dressed at the event. Speaking of couture, I may not be the hottest number on the red carpet, nor may I be dressed to the nines, but not for lack of style but rather lack of funding. So will someone please explain to me why wealthy grown men don $2,800 Zegna suits and finish off their “look” with Converse Pro-Keds? These are not stand up comics, mind you, they’re “industry folk” who mistakenly equate “being cool” with crap-py sneakers. Is it too much to ask these guys to hit the shoe department at Barneys? There is nothing quite as exciting as being on the red carpet, interviewing talent, up-and-coming directors and hobnobbing with the rich and famous. Once again, there are two parties, Universal’s special fete champetre and the lowly street party for the Plebeians. This time I’m escorted in by a contact (whose name I won’t reveal) pretending to be his girlfriend, suddenly I’m a Patrician. How sweet it is. Here the Tommy Bahama rum flows from a five-foot high “Hellboy” ice sculpture. I spend most of my night affixed to this spot, except when I venture to the food tables to grab a bite. The umbrellas surrounding the buffet aren’t fastened down correctly, and so it’s with dismay when I almost crash one into Jeffrey Tambor. I apologize and allow him to ingest without distress … and then somehow manage to knock the umbrella into him again. How embarrassing. Maybe I should be at the street fest after all? Do I even deserve to be here? Then I spot a guy in nice suit, with a pair of Sketchers on his feet. And I have my answer: A resounding “Yes.” That’s a wrap, folks. Notable films from the festival: Clark Gregg’s “Choke” starring Sam Rockwell; Sacha Gervasi’s “ANVIL! The Story of Anvil” which won the Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature; Darius Marder’s “Loot” which took home the Target Documentary Award for Best Documentary Feature; and Lori Petty’s “Poker House” which garnered actress Jennifer Lawrence a win for Outstanding Performance in the Narrative Competition. TAYLOR VAN ARSDALE is a writer/producer and movie reviewer for the Daily Press. She *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 4, 2008.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/070408.pdf?ref=smdp.com)