Review of Sarasota Film Festival Opening Night Film, “Time Out of Mind” (starring Richard Gere) and Opening Night Party #SFF2015

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By: Carol Erickson

Living in Sarasota, we are gifted with many wonderful opportunities, but the opening party and film at the Sarasota Film Festival is the “Crown Jewel”.

The Hollywood-style glamour, the dazzle of the bright lights, red carpet, cameras, directors and celebrities were all proudly presented at its new location. .the historic and stately Opera House. This yearly event is yet another tradition that honors film makers and their incredible achievements.

After about an hour or so of mingling, interviews and pictures, the huge crowd moved inside for the screening of the premier movie “Time Out of Mind” starring Richard Gere.  The movie portrays Gere as a homeless person that has nowhere to go except in search of his next meal and a place to sleep.  Seeing this handsome star in “Pretty Woman” play the part of a homeless person was a little difficult to imagine at first, but after a few minutes, he was able to convince his audience.  The film is lengthy and plods along slowly, but provides the audience a glimpse of what homeless life is really like.  It was eye-opening and certainly conversation-worthy due to the growing problem right here in Sarasota.

Then on to the “after party” that was staged in every room of the opera house from the beautiful outdoor courtyard to the multiple levels of entertainment inside. There was no shortage of music, drinks and plenty of enjoyment for all of us who were fortunate enough to attend.   This is one party that honors, delights and entertains all of our “senses”.

The Sarasota Film Festival runs through April 19th.

http://www.sarasotafilmfestival.com/

 

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Opening Night Film: Time Out Of Mind
Feature | 120 Min
Description
A seemingly “normal” man is homeless on the streets of New York, or, as he insists, “between living arrangements.” We simply follow him as he struggles to find stability and restore his relationship with his estranged daughter. Richard Gere gives perhaps the greatest performance of his storied career as George: haunted, haunting, proud, ashamed, unbroken, broken. But Gere is much more than just the star of the film; as a producer he shepherded the project for years to ensure it would be made, and helped convince Sarasota Alumnus Oren Moverman to direct. His instincts were well rewarded; it’s difficult to imagine another American director that would take so much time and care to put the audience in front of the character; to compel the audience to actually see the character, and even to enter into his daily existence alongside him. Ben Vereen is given his most textured role in years, and his sensitive performance reminds us why he’s a legend. And Jena Malone is excellent as well, continuing her run of powerful performances. It’s one of the best films you’ll see all year.
Film Info
Genre: Narrative
Drama
English Title: Time Out Of Mind
Category: Opening Night Film
Narrative Feature
Event
Release Year: 2014
Runtime: 120 minutes
Type of Film: Narrative Feature
Opening Night Film
Production Country: USA
Original Language: English
Cast/Crew Info
Cast: Richard Gere
Jena Malone
Ben Vereen
Jeremy Strong
Director: Oren Moverman
Executive Producer: Mohammad Al Turki
Eva Maria Daniels
Amanda Marshall
Produced By: Miranda Bailey
Richard Gere
Lawrence Inglee
Caroline Kaplan
Bill Pohlang
Edward Walson
Co-Producer: Luca Borghese
Carrie Fix
Screenwriter: Oren Moverman
Jeffrey Caine
Cinematography: Bobby Bukowski
Editing By: Alex Hall
Production Design by: Kelly McGehee

Opening Night Party
Event | 150 Min

Join us at a new location for our annual opening night film and party at the Opera House on April 10th. This red carpet event begins with our Opening Night Film and is followed by the very popular Opening Night Party where you will find top musical entertainment featuring Florida band, the Hip Nauticals and DJ Imminent, a popular local favorite.

Your ticket includes complimentary Hors D’oeuvres catered by The Francis Restaurant, and complimentary Festival themed cocktails with cash purchases available.

Attire: Cocktail

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For a description of every film’s plot, as well as show times, please go to:

Download (PDF, 56.64MB)

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