Michel Gondry at the Hammer

Serendipity and coincidence are concepts director Michel Gondry regularly celebrates, or turns upside down, or gently prods. Just when we've been excited to see "Synecdoche, New York" this Friday -- a work by Gondry's "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" collaborator Charlie Kaufman -- we learn that the French helmer is appearing at the Hammer Museum tonight to talk about his new book. 

"You'll Like This Film Because You're In It: The Be Kind Rewind Protocol" explains Gondry's approach to movie-making, but not in the usual sense. Don't look for the typical recommendations -- hit this particular beat on this particular page -- because the director's opinion is anyone can do it, and it isn't hard, and people should try, and rules can be bent. Consider the two characters in his film "Be Kind Rewind" who remade several of their favorite flicks, low-budget/VHS style. This is what Gondry wants others to attempt, the joyful, messy, can-do artistry he believes many of us hold inside. Basically, if you loved "Casablanca" you can be in "Casablanca" according to Gondry.

Wonder and whimsy truly rule this man's world. We're still thrilling to "The Science of Sleep" and we saw that film years ago. And we're betting this book will weave into the fabric of our thoughts for some time to come as well.

Michel Gondry
Tuesday, October 21, 7-9PM, Free
The Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles
310-443-7000

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