Tonight marks the opening of the 54th San Francisco International Film Festival. This evening’s festivities include a two-for-one event featuring a rousing party and Berkeley’s own Mike Mills with his new movie “Beginners”.
“Beginners” follows a hipster graphic artist, Ewan McGregor. There’s no singing or lightsaber duels, but instead, our fair-skinned protagonist learns how to love a sweet actress while coming to terms with the loss of his recently out-of-the-closet father.
Mills’ gentle hand lends itself well to this tale of a son, weaving his way toward happiness. “Beginners” features an understated elegance and delicate mix of wittiness and emotional investigation, melding itself into a hearty, personal journey. We can’t tell you much more — fest organizers have asked reviewers to hold full reviews until the film is released in theaters.
“Beginners” includes a cast featuring Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer, Mélanie Laurent, and Goran Visnjic (Dr. Luka!!!). And this evening, Mills and McGregor will host a post-show Q&A.
What: San Francisco International Film Festival: Opening Night Film and After-Party, featuring “Beginners”, directed by Mike Mills
When: April 21, screening at 7PM, party at 9:30PM
Where: Movie screening at the Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street @ Market Street; After-party at Terra, 511 Harrison Street
Tickets: Film and party $75 members/$90 general, VIP tickets $125 members/$150 general; online
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