Judy Thorburn and Debbie Hall

Photos by Stephen Thorburn

The past week was highlighted by a major film festival, parties, a reinvention and reopening of restaurants and how all of this affects us physically.

The 8th Annual CineVegas film festival was held at the Palms and Brenden Theaters from June 9 through June 17, and it included nine days and nights of movies and parties at some of Las Vegas’ hottest nightspots. Between the many films, awards, red carpet events, star sightings and nightly bashes, we did manage to experience a couple of other events in Las Vegas.

For those who don’t know, CineVegas, founded by Robin Greenspun and her husband Danny, along with the help of Sundance Programming Director Trevor Groth, have drawn some of the best talents in the world of films to the nine day event for tributes, panel discussions, and award presentations to honor Hollywood bigwigs for their contribution to cinema. Past attendees and award recipients have included actors Jack Nicolson, Holly Hunter, Nicholas Cage, Sean Penn, Ann Margret, directors David Lynch, George Romero and Wim Wenders. This year honorees are Laurence Fishburne, Sylvester Stallone, Christina Ricci, Taylor Hackford, and Helen Mirren. Dennis Hopper, a past recipient of CineVegas’ Marquee Award was so enamored with the festival that three years ago he came on board as the Chairman of the festival’s Creative Advisory Board. In the few years since its inception, the little festival that could has grown into an acclaimed festival on par with Toronto and Sundance, to name a few of the best. As the perfect buffet for film aficionados, CineVegas serves up a wide assortment of films in categories such as independent films seeking distribution, world and U.S. premieres, a collection of cult and avant garde movies, documentaries, shorts, films by Nevada filmmakers and student films. In other words, there is something on the schedule for everyone who loves going to the movies.

Outlaw Cinema Panel

A highlight of the week was the so-called Outlaw Cinema Panel discussion that took place on Sunday inside the Lounge at the Palms. CineVegas was introduced with a new slogan this year, “The Worlds Most Dangerous Film Festival,” so it seemed appropriate to have five filmmakers on hand whose body of work has had an impact and influence on dangerous filmmaking, making them “outlaws” in the world of cinema. Moderated by Scott Foundas, film editor of the LA Weekly, the panel consisted of controversial, independent filmmakers Gregg Araki, James Fotopoulos, Abel Ferrara, Bob Goldthwait and Nina Menkes, all known for their non-mainstream, edgy or avant-garde films that have generated a cult following.

On another note, it was so funny to see how most of the panel took themselves so seriously while Goldthwaite, fittingly played up the label of outlaw by showing up adorned in a cowboy hat, boots and penciled on twirly moustache. When asked if they saw themselves as an outlaw, everyone had an answer.

Bob Goldthwait

Goldthwaite said, “No not really. I wish my movies were more commercial and people liked them more. I see myself trying to make movies I would go to.”

Ferrara commented, “When you make films, you work in your own world. But for me, I wish everyone in the world would see my film.”

Abel Ferrara

Araki replied, “The idea of labels, outlaws, etc., a lot is the media, critics’ need to categorize or pigeonhole. We just make our movies and do not call ourselves those words. It’s a human compulsion to want to label films that don’t fit in.”

Menkes responded, “I never saw myself as an experienced filmmaker. I am happy to be an outlaw and see the world not the way other people see it. In the film world others see the money, the dollar.

Goldthwait was loud and on the mark with his funny, but always truthful and honest input. At one point he had everyone laughing with his remark about Fotopoulos who hardly spoke. “Contrary to what it seems, he is not a silent filmmaker,” Goldthwait said. When asked about conforming to the rules of the censors, Goldthwait responded, “The MPAA wasn’t happy about the trailer for my movie, ‘Shakes The Clown.’ They wanted me to take myself out as the clown. They found (the clown) disturbing for children. I purposely pissed off clowns just to help promote the film.”

Ferrara added, “I wasn’t going to be constrained by so called Hollywood housewives from the MPAA. When people say you can’t do it, you have to step up to the plate. Once you start self censoring yourself as a filmmaker you are finished.” All spoke about how hard it is to make movies that are not commercial. Unlike mainstream films that are backed by studios with big budgets, they all agreed that most independent filmmakers struggle with very little money to complete their work, and are constantly looking to raise capital. Only Goldthwaite seems to enjoy making films on a tiny budget and loves the idea. “I hope to continue making little tiny movies”, he said. “I am happier living in an apartment than being in another Policy Academy (film).” Each filmmaker said they were grateful for film festivals such as CineVegas for showcasing their work, which may never get distributed to local theatres. Perfect example is Goldthwait’s film, Windy City Heat, which was screened at CineVegas 2004. Araki stated, “It is great when a young man comes up to me and says I drove 200 miles to come and see your film.” On a side note, I have to mention that it was strange to see Ferrara just get up and leave in the middle of it all without saying a word, and return after a long break with no mention of where he went and why. “Independent” filmmaker? Yes indeed!

On Tuesday, Laurence Fishburne was presented with the Half Life Award, given to those in the prime of their career, but with an impressive body of work. In fact, Dennis Hopper was Fishburne’s mentor when they worked together on Apocalypse Now. Film critic Elvis Mitchell was the moderator of the 30 minute conversation with Fishburne before the screening of his new movie, “Five Fingers.” Fishburne was relaxed and shared the process of growing from a teenaged actor to the accomplished professional he is today. His best quote of the evening was that, “Acting is about finding time, rhythms, colors, textures, tempo, feeling, it’s all about feeling.”

Sylveter Stallone receives Brenden Theatre's Celebrity Star

On Wednesday was the Celebration of the 30th Anniversary of Rocky. As a tribute to the film that won the Oscar for Best Picture in 1977, a special screening was held with Sylvester Stallone walking the red carpet before being presented with his own Brenden Theatres Celebrity Star that was unveiled on the floor of the Brenden Theatres’ lobby. To a throng of fans and press alike, the Superstar stood with theatre owner Johnny Brenden, thanked everyone, and spoke about editing Rocky 6, saying, “I am overwhelmed, but in a good way.”

The parties included the opening night at Rain at the Palms, Venus Pool at Caesars sponsored by W; Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay; Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay sponsored by Glaceau Vitaminwater®; Guggenheim at Venetian; Jet at the Mirage; Voo Doo Lounge at the Rio; Tao at the Venetian; and will end on Saturday, June 17 for the VEGAS Magazine 3rd Anniversary Party hosted by Christina Ricci at Green Valley Ranch Station (we will report on this one in our next column).

Check out Media Diva Judy’s website www.theflickchicks.com  to read her extensive coverage of CineVegas that includes the “best of the fest” films, a gallery of star photos, and more inside scoop.

BODIES…The Exhibition, will open at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino on June 23 for a limited time. This is a unique opportunity for the public to see first hand the workings of the bodies through 21 whole-body specimens and 260 additional organ and partial body specimens. Dr. Roy Glover, Professor Emeritus of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Michigan Medical School Polymer Preservation Laboratory, is the medical advisor and spokesman for BODIES…the Exhibition.

Dr. Glover spoke about, “Your body is the only thing that you carry with you from the moment you are born until your last breath. We take better care of our cars than ourselves. We can always buy another car, but you can’t buy another body.”

One of the goals of the exhibition is to show how smoking, poor eating habits and drug abuse affect the body. During the press conference, two real lungs were on display, one shriveled black (not colored but its real color) of a smoker and one of a healthy non-smoker, pink and full. Other goals show how the body operates during various physical activities and the complexity of organs, muscles, ligaments and systems.

The human body specimens were preserved with a liquid silicone rubber that is treated and hardened. This allows the specimens to become like rubber, preserved to the cellular level. With this process, there is no decomposition.

Gary Van Hettinga, President and General Manager of the Tropicana Resort and Casino, stated earlier, “We’re thrilled to be bringing this blockbuster Exhibition to the Tropicana, with its world-class reputation and universal appeal. BODIES…The Exhibition is sure to become a premiere cultural attraction in Las Vegas and a must see experience for visitors and locals alike.”

The Exhibition is open seven days a week, 10 am to 10 pm daily. Ticket prices are $24 for adults, $22 for seniors, $15 for children $15 age 12 and under and $21 for Nevada Residents and Tropicana Hotel guests. To purchase tickets or more information, call 702-739-2411 or www.bodiestickets.com . It is advised that children attend this Exhibition with an adult.

Jerry’s Nugget, a perennial favorite of Las Vegas since 1964, renovated The Canal Street Café and reopened as Jerry’s Famous Coffee Shop. The design is one of blending nostalgia such as an old-fashioned lunch counter with contemporary seating, lighting and space. This unique layout also incorporates what was envisioned in the 1950s as futuristic architecture of sharp angles and structured shapes.

Over 140 entrees, 56 desserts and 68 beverage items are available 24 hours a day, so there is something for everyone. We sampled South of the Border servings such as tacos as well as other favorites such as ribs, shrimp, sandwiches and other fun food. The chocolate macaroons were unbelievable as well as the other desserts such as fruit tarts and sweet cookies.

Founded by Jerry Lodge and Jerry Stamis, Jerry’s Nugget is still a significant piece of Las Vegas history. Originally the site of the Town House Bar, the property was purchased and rebuilt as an 80 foot Casino housing a restaurant, bar, keno lounge, a craps table and 100 slot machines. In 1968, the owners bought their closest competitor, the Bonanza Club, which hosted the city’s tallest sign - the famous oil derrick. This added an additional 10,000 square feet. Further enhancements and expansions through the years have grown the property to over 95,000 square feet of gaming and entertainment space.

Still owned and operated by the Stamis family, Jerry’s Nugget has a reputation for catering to the locals with an emphasis on quality, service and value. As Jerry’s Nugget celebrates over four decades of entertainment, growth and success, it remains one of the premiere mid-sized casino properties and a favorite in North Las Vegas.

Media Diva Debbie got to experience Agave, conventional Mexican cuisine in a traditional Mexican setting surrounded by a polished contemporary design. The architecture is tropical complete with a thatched roof and vibrant colors. The outdoor patio combines vibrant colors, cushioned brass chairs and stone fireplaces. The indoor dining area features a comfortable circular bar with spacious booths and tables. Now, let’s talk about the food and service.

The service is impeccable. Our server, Gabriella, was so friendly and accommodating, as was the rest of the staff. The house margarita was delicious with Herradura Silver, Cointreau, fresh limejuice and simple syrup. No mixes here; all of the ingredients are fresh. Signature dishes such as Lobster Empanadas, Spicy Ahi Tuna Tostados and the Shrimp and Crab Stacked Enchiladas were unbelievable. The desserts such as the bread pudding and flan are beyond words.

Open 24 hours a day, the name Agave is from the plant used to make tequila in the region of Tequila, Mexico. Executive Chefs Matthew Silverman and Juan Saldana collaborated on the menu and even offer an authentic taco cart manufactured in Mexico specifically for Agave. Located at 10820 West Charleston (east of 215), the phone number is 702-214-3500.

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