I received an email that read "Martin Scorsese at The Biblioteca Alexandria 5pm December 23rd." Really? Two days before Christmas? Hmmmm. It seemed unlikely. I thought maybe they were showing his films or something, but decided to check it out anyway.I finally made it there around 4:50pm, after giving up on trying to get a taxi and waiting forever for the tram. I noticed a VIP room with people going in and out and camera bulbs flashing. I assumed he was inside doing some photo op. I wanted
to try and get in, but wanted to make sure I got a good seat as well. I saw a sign pointing the way to the auditorium with his name written in Arabic on the bottom. I proceeded down the hall into the lecture room and was surprised to find plenty of seats still available. The first 6 rows in the center were reserved for his wife and daughter, members of the press, and library officials etc. I managed to get 7th row center. When Martin finally came into the
auditorium, he received a standing ovation. I was really excited to see him. The interview was set up a la "Inside the Actors' Studio" except the interviewer was some Egyptian guy. It lasted almost two hours and I got to learn some surprising tidbits about some of his movies. For instance, he knew nothing about boxing before he directed Raging Bull. As for Cape Fear, he hated the script and didn't want to direct it at all. I especially liked his anecdote about the "clown" scene from Goodfellas. He said, that Joes P
esci had that uncomfortable incident actually happen to him and wanted to re-enact it for the movie.The interview was fantastic. After it was over, he received another standing ovation and I heard that he was really surprised to see that many people turn out to the lecture and the enthusiasm people had for him. I tried to bribe one of the guards with 100LE to get into the VIP room afterwards so I could get a picture with him. guards are always practically begging for money...but I think this guy thought maybe it was a test or I was setting him up. Damn. Of all times for one of these guys to get a conscience. Jeeesh.
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| People trying to get into the VIP room. |
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| The Biblioteca at night. |
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