
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 27, 1993                   TAG: 9310260155
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By MIKE MAYO CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

FESTIVAL CAN BE A CHALLENGE TO FILM FANS

For the past five years, my colleague Chris Gladden and I have attended and written about the Virginia Festival of American Film in Charlottesville. It's always a fine weekend, but for the novice or inexperienced moviegoer, it can also pose something of a challenge. When you suddenly realize the wealth of cinematic choices that are spread out before you, the kid-in-a-candystore syndrome sets in.

Here then are 12 tips from a festival veteran:

1. Expect last-minute changes. This year it appears that guest Richard Widmark may not be able to attend due to an illness in his family, and one of the regional premier films, "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues," has already been pulled from the line- up. Check the Festival Updates in the lobby of the Omni hotel and at the various theater boxoffices.

2. Wear comfortable, layered clothes. At this time of year, the weather can range from sunny and warm to flurries, and, depending on the size of the crowd, conditions inside the theaters can vary, too. Be adaptable.

3. Bring good shoes, more than one pair if you're there for the whole weekend. No matter how good the movies are, you've got to get out and walk around Charlottesville and the university.

4. Don't try to see too much too quickly. If you go to three films on Thursday and three more on Friday, you'll be burned out before the festival's half over. Pace yourself.

5. When you have to make a choice between a new film and an old one, go with the old one, especially if it's one you haven't seen or have seen only on television. The festival has a new print made from the original negative of "The Maltese Falcon" and a masterpiece like "Sunset Boulevard" really has to be seen on the big screen to be appreciated. On the other hand, if you've seen "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" or "Body Heat" more times than you can count, then you'll want to try an unknown title. In the past though, we've been burned by such less than memorable gems as "The Kill Off," "Love Hurts" and "Roadside Prophets."

6. Don't be afraid to talk to people. The crowds are generally friendly with lots of shared interest in the movies.

7. Bring snack food you can stow in a pocket. Some screenings will conflict with mealtimes, and eats are often catch as catch can.

8. Allow extra time between shows. The schedule tends to run late, and you'll be frustrated if you allow only 10 minutes to catch a shuttle bus to get to another movie on the other side of town. And do plan to stay for at least one of the post-screening discussions. Many of these talks are surprisingly interesting and lively.

9. Bring a good book. After several hours of staring at the silver screen, the idea of watching anything else can be unthinkable. In the spirit of this year's theme, (italic)film noir(italic), you might consider James M. Cain's "The Postman Always Rings Twice" or James Crumley's "The Last Good Kiss." (If you forget reading material, make time for one of Charlottesville's fine bookstores.)

10. Get your tickets early. In terms of price, the festival films are a real bargain. The popular ones tend to sell out fast and seating is limited.

11. Bring a corkscrew. You never know when you'll run across an interesting bottle of wine.

12. Despite all the intelligent analysis you'll hear, and all the stroking that the stars and the Hollywood folk receive from each other and from the locals, don't take any of this too seriously. American movies are entertainment; they're supposed to be fun and so is the festival.

by CNB