All dealmaking and even text messaging came to a stop yesterday morning (at least in our condo) to watch the triumphant and inspiring inauguration of our 44th President.
I was fortunate to watch the festivities at a lovely little impromptu gathering put together by Annie Roney and her partner Christine of Roco Films. Annie was kind enough to pass out not only celebratory champagne, but also tissues, as many in the group (including the usually unsentimental me) became choked up watching the proceedings. I think it was the only time in my life when I've been completely happy to be a part of something that major. I'm usually on the outside looking in, but this time I was proud to be in and among my--yes--fellow Americans.
Interestingly, many in the room were actually from the UK, and they seemed equally moved and transfixed by Obama and his message as we Yanks were. To me, that was a small reminder that our stock in the rest of the world just increased tenfold (even if the Dow did not).
I'd hoped to stand in line to see an early AM screening of World's Greatest Dad at 8:30AM. But as much as I really wanted to be there, I also didn't want to be the guy telling his grandchildren he went to see a movie starring Robin Williams and directed by Bobcat Goldthwait during one of the most momentous events in his lifetime.
Parting shot: on my flight back to LA was Laura San Giacomo, who had been in town for the 20th anniversary tribute (yes, you're old) to Sex, Lies and Videotape. Back in 1989, Sex, Lies was "the" critically anointed masterpiece to arrive in theaters on a wave of Sundance love. Personally, it marked the first time that I, then in college, had really heard or paid attention to the festival. So I found it fitting that Ms. Giacomo was on my flight (though I couldn't bring myself to ask for a pic).
It's no documentary, but sometimes it felt like one. Here's a toast to Park City's history with a little glimpse of 1989's finest: