There are not a lot of things that New Yorkers will stand patiently in line. We get impatient queuing for busses, get grumpy in supermarket lines, and never – yes never – wait in line for pizza (the majority of folks on the line at Grimaldi’s in Dumbo are tourists). But an opportunity to attend a screening of the film Goodbye to All That at the Highline Ballroom last month had us eagerly, if not happily, waiting in line to get in.
The film screening was one in a series presented by Rooftop Films in partnership with Piper-Heidsieck Champagne. Although we weren’t aware of it until this event, Piper-Heidsieck has long been involved with the promotion of independent films and has, for 21 years, been the official champagne of the Cannes Film Festival. In addition to supporting screenings by Rooftop Films, Piper-Heidsieck also recently launched a grant program (the Piper-Heidsieck Feature Film Grant) to help a talented independent filmmakers bring their visions to the screen. Happily, upon entering the Highline Ballroom, the attendees at this particular screening were also provided with enough Piper Heidsieck Brut to take the edge off the chill.
As the AdviceSisters’ primary wine reviewer, I can’t help but mention that the Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut is a classic, full-bodied Champagne. The blend is composed of a majority of Pinots Noirs, incorporating more than 100 crus from around the Champagne region and Pinots Meuniers from the Grande et Petite Montagne de Reims region. It is golden in color with a very active mouse, and unlike many traditional champagnes, it is not heavy but rather fruity, with a lot of pear and some citrus on the finish. I have to say, it was, and certainly would continue to get my vote as an excellent way to start a movie screening.
Goodbye to All That, both written and directed by Angus MacLachlan, held my interest throughout its 87 minutes, even though I wasn’t quick enough to grab a seat, and had to watch it, standing. The movie, which stars Paul Schneider as Otto, a 30-something father whose wife has tired of him and leaves him for another woman, focuses on how this unexpected trip back to the dating game shows Otto to be something of a ladies man. Schneider’s naturalness as a well-meaning but somewhat childish husband and father is captivating and you really want to see him recover both his own balance and also his relationship with his young daughter (played by Audrey P. Scott). Otto moves between women in a sweet and awkward way, experiencing a range of truly bizarre dates. In particular is his relationship with Debbie Spangler (hysterically played by actress Anna Camp). Debbie has a multiple personality disorder with one half being sexually voracious and the other half basically Amish.
The film has a wide range of emotion to experience, although the ending was a disappointment. The audience, however, was very entertained, and very supportive of Mr. MacLachlan and a number of the actors who appeared on stage after the screening. Even without the addition of the delicious champagne, it was a fun event and it reflects well on others hosted by Rooftop Films. I hope to be invited back for another!
(thanks to John Dunham for this report and photographs. He stepped up and stepped in when I couldn’t attend) Alison Blackman, Editor in Chief, The Advice Sisters
Rooftop Films is a 17 year old organization that puts on one of the most dynamic film festivals in the world. In 2014, the organization screened more than 30 feature films, and over 125 short films in themed programs, mainly in outdoor venues around New York City. In addition Rooftop Films serves as a collective collaboration between filmmakers and festivals, between audience members and artists, between venues and neighborhoods, not only screening films but also by providing essential support systems for those who otherwise have none. For more information on Rooftop Films and on their partnership with Piper-Heidsieck go to http://rooftopfilms.com/2014/info/produce/
