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Actor William H. Macy presented his film, “The Cooler”
to a sold-out crowd at the Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre this Saturday,
bringing the 26th film festival to a crowded and enthusiastic end.
The film, which was directed by Wayne Kramer and also stars Alec Baldwin,
Paul Sorvino, and Maria Bello, signaled the end of the years festival,
which has featured films from around the world and from such recognized
industry heavyweights as director Francis Ford Coppola and actors
Lili Taylor and Wes Study.
In addition to his role in presenting the film, Macy appeared in
order to receive the prestigious John Cassavetes Award for Independent
Vision and Achievement in American Film. The veteran actor, writer
and director expressed great respect for the award and its eponymous
actor, citing both as “the real deal” in their importance
and significance to film. Macy also praised the Denver film community
for its enthusiasm and dedication.
“What a magnificent state, what a magnificent city,”
Macy said. “(Living in LA), it’s easy to think that the
world begins and ends at Wilshire Boulevard, but (I’ve found)
the Denver community to be just as savvy, knowledgeable and passionate
about film.”
Speaking about “The Cooler,” Macy praised first-time
director Wayne Kramer and marveled that such quality came from a relatively
small budget and short shooting schedule. Macy, who plays an employee
of a Las Vegas casino whose job is to skew the good fortune of winners
with his mere presence and infallible aura of bad luck, explained
that he was hesitant to accept the somewhat familiar role. “I’d
forsworn playing the loser because I’d made a career of it,”
he recalled.
“But, when I read the script, I realized that this (character)
is not just a loser, this is biblical.” Another element that
convinced Macy to take the role was the theme of “the transforming
power of love,” an element that the actor “would like
to believe in.” Finally, Macy explained that the opportunity
to play a romantic lead was an attraction, musing that as an actor
“north of 50, it’s not going to happen again.”
As one of the final screenings, the event inspired reflections on
the festival as a whole. Ron Henderson, executive director of the
Denver Film Society, explained the challenges in organizing this year’s
festival. After last year’s milestone of 25 years, Henderson
had entertained doubts as to the possibilities for number 26. Henderson’s
fears proved to be unfounded as the event coalesced.
“Between the bookends (of the fabulous opening and closing
nights), we’ve been able to show many films that will never
see the light of day,” Henderson said, extolling the diversity
and authenticity of this year’s selections. Although the festival’s
ensemble of films provided unique and memorable moments, Henderson
explained that the standards for assembling the event have not and
will not change.
“It is what it is,” Henderson said in reference to the
festival. “We will continue to look for interesting guests and
as many filmmakers as we can. We will use the same standards that
we used this year.”
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