The Sundance Opening Night Gala kicked off with warm welcome speeches from festival officials, sponsors, and dignitaries, setting the tone for an evening of celebration. As the formalities concluded, attendees were treated to a lavish gala dinner, complete with exquisite food and drinks, creating the perfect setting for mingling, networking, and celebrating the festival's kickoff.
The festivities continued with post-reception parties thrown by studios and distributors, offering even more opportunities for attendees to connect and enjoy the night. Amidst the fun, there were photo booths capturing memorable moments. Lucas, alongside his co-stars Jennifer and Felicity, as well as director Drake and Charlie Bewley, seized the chance to snap a few memorable pictures together.
As the evening progressed, the Sundance Opening Night Gala wound down, concluding without any dramatic twists. Despite the ongoing receptions hosted by studios and distributors, Lucas, his co-stars Jennifer and Felicity, and director Drake decided to step out into the night, marking the end of their gala experience but just the beginning of the festival's array of events.
They hopped into a car, bound for the hotel.
"Ugh, those drinks at the gala got me a bit tipsy..." Jennifer confessed, her hand flying to her mouth.
Lucas couldn't help but laugh. "Given how quickly you were downing them, I'm not surprised you're feeling it," he observed, noting Jennifer's flushed cheeks.
"What do you mean, 'quickly'? I was sipping them at a snail's pace, thank you very much," Jennifer shot back, a hint of defiance in her tone.
"Jen, even a snail's pace was too fast for those drinks. The gala served some top-shelf stuff—California Cabernets mixed with French Bordeaux. It packs a punch if you're not careful," Felicity chimed in, gently patting Jennifer on the back in comfort.
Indeed, the gala's selection was potent: a blend of California Cabernets with French Bordeaux, capable of swiftly inebriating those unaccustomed to its strength.
The combination of the moving car and the alcohol left Jennifer feeling increasingly dizzy, the effects of the night beginning to weigh on her.
--
On January 21, 2011, the festival kicked off with an opening screening featuring a film from each competition category, including "Sing Your Song," "Pariah," "The Guard," "Project Nim," and Shorts Program I.
Lucas and Jennifer decided to watch the opening films together. To avoid drawing attention, they both donned caps. Lucas, underestimating his burgeoning fame, initially went without one and quickly found himself overwhelmed by fans in Park City. They swarmed him, clamoring for photos and autographs, much to his surprise.
While Lucas didn't mind the attention, things took an uncomfortable turn when the enthusiasm became too physical, leaving him with a scratch on his face from a fan's sharp nails in the frenzy to reach him.
During their time at the theater, Lucas and Jennifer settled in to watch "Sing Your Song." They noted that the audience was sparse, composed of a few couples and critics there to review the documentary. As the film unfolded over the hour, Lucas found himself unexpectedly moved, the documentary striking an emotional chord with him.
"It's so inspirational," Jennifer whispered to Lucas, clearly moved.
Lucas agreed, "Yeah... It's amazing. Even though he was known as an actor and a singer, he managed to impact the world in so many other ways."
Both actors, Lucas and Jennifer found themselves deeply inspired by Harry Belafonte's life story.
"It's a shame this film hasn't gotten the recognition it deserves," Lucas remarked with a sigh.
"I think it's because documentaries just aren't as popular these days," Jennifer added, sharing in the sentiment.
--
On January 22, 2011, anticipation buzzed in the air for the screening of "Like Crazy."
The premiere saw the cast, including Lucas, Jennifer, Felicity, Charlie, and others, alongside director Drake, making their way down the red carpet. Amidst flashes and interviews, journalists probed about the cast's chemistry and their experiences working together, capturing the excitement of the moment.
Finally, the cast and the audience made their way into the theater.
Among those filling the seats were numerous fans of Lucas, present to show their support. The theater buzzed with anticipation, its seats taken by audience members ranging from film enthusiasts to notable critics, including Kenneth Turan from the Los Angeles Times.
Kenneth had previously been impressed by Lucas's performance in "127 Hours," a film that showcased a depth and intensity he found remarkable. He had also seen Lucas in the blockbuster "Inception," where, despite Lucas's strong portrayal of Arthur, he didn't find the performance as impactful. To Kenneth, Arthur's character lacked the relatability he found in Lucas's role in "127 Hours," possibly because "Inception" ventured into the realm of fantasy, straying from the realism that had resonated with him before.
With "Like Crazy" about to start, Kenneth found himself hopeful. He was eager to see if Lucas would match or even surpass the compelling performance he had delivered in "127 Hours."
As the audience settled into their seats, the chatter dimmed, and the theater lights dimmed, giving way to the anticipation of the film's beginning. The screen flickered to life, drawing everyone's attention to the unfolding story.
As the film began, the audience's attention was immediately captured by the opening scene set in a classroom. Felicity, playing the role of a teacher, was discussing the evolution of publishing, tracing the journey from print to digital platforms like MySpace.
The camera then shifted, revealing a young man holding a paper, his gaze fixed intently on the woman speaking at the front. Lucas's fans, recognizing him even with his hair dyed for the role, struggled to contain their excitement.
Particularly the young women in the audience, who were captivated by Lucas's nuanced expressions on screen, barely held back their shrieks of delight. Lucas's eyes sparkled with a mixture of curiosity and fascination as he watched Felicity's character, a detail that did not go unnoticed.
The men in the audience found themselves relating to Lucas's brief but expressive glance. It felt familiar, like seeing a crush in school, evoking a mix of nostalgia and empathy for the character's situation.
The camera's focus on Lucas was brief, yet in those few seconds, the scene shifted, capturing a subtle yet significant exchange. The young woman, portrayed by Felicity, confidently tells the young man, "I don't need to give you mine because I've already done it."
His response, "Well, I'm okay with that," was simple, but the intensity in his gaze left no doubt about his feelings for her.
The young woman appeared slightly taken aback, perhaps shy under his earnest gaze, as she quickly said, "Umm... If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way."
"Alright," he replied, his eyes lingering on her as she left the classroom. The camera stayed with him, his expression one of curiosity and a palpable sense of longing.
The audience was wrapped in the moment, the emotion so tangible that couples in the audience whispered to each other, feeling the stirrings of love depicted on screen.
"I think he's fallen in love, right?" a young black woman whispered to her partner, her voice carrying a playful note.
"Yeah. I can see myself in him when I first saw you," her partner whispered back, a sense of nostalgia and warmth in his voice.
"Oh, you..." she murmured, touched and slightly teasing, nudging her partner affectionately.
As the film unfolded before the audience, they were gradually introduced to the characters of Felicity and Lucas. Felicity took on the role of Anna, while Lucas brought Jacob to life. Despite the audience becoming familiar with both characters, Anna and Jacob had not yet entered into a relationship. The current scene set in a bar, where Jacob worked, captivated the viewers.
In that bustling bar, Anna found herself sipping wine, her eyes fixed on Jacob as he prepared to take the stage.
The moment Lucas and the band struck the opening chords on stage, a wave of anticipation washed over the audience. The haunting melody piqued their curiosity, leaving them eager for what was to come.
Initially, the audience suspected the film might gloss over Jacob's musical performance. However, to their mild surprise, the scene transitioned smoothly into his song. With the opening lines, "Look at the stars, " Jacob's voice filled the room, "Look how they shine for you, and everything you do."
The bar scene mirrored the audience's reaction; the chatter and laughter faded into a hushed silence, as everyone's attention was drawn to Jacob's performance.
Astonishment was clear in Anna's eyes, a sentiment mirrored by the audience as they were pleasantly surprised to discover the film included an actual song performance.
As the scene unfolded, Jacob's voice carried on, "Yeah, and they were all yellow, " he sang, his devotion to Anna palpable in every note, "I came along, I wrote a song for you, and all the things you do, " his gaze locked on hers, while the band's music amplified the emotion of his words.
The audience was captivated, absorbed in the moment. The song's intimacy even drew some couples closer, their connection deepening as they listened until the end. The lyric "Look how they shine for you" lingered in the air, touching everyone's heart.
Davy Parks, representing Sony Pictures, was visibly moved by the performance. Having watched the film, he was already interested in its romantic storyline, appreciating the actors' performances, especially Lucas's. Yet, the inclusion of a musical piece was an unexpected delight. This element of surprise, coupled with the film's quality, significantly piqued his interest in acquiring it.
Honestly, Davy was so captivated by Lucas's performance that he considered acquiring the film even if it hadn't met all his expectations. The song alone had struck a chord with him, showcasing potential that could shine independently of the film's overall quality. The idea of securing the rights to the film for the song's sake was an enticing proposition.
It wasn't just Davy from Sony Pictures who felt this way; representatives from other major distributors like Paramount, HBO, and Lionsgate also found their interest in "Like Crazy" significantly heightened by Lucas's song. This single performance had the power to elevate the film's appeal across the board.
After Lucas's heartfelt song, a young blonde woman in the bar couldn't contain her admiration. "Wow, what a beautiful song!" she exclaimed, her voice piercing through the bar's ambient noise, leading to a round of applause for Jacob's performance.
The camera then panned to the young woman who had shouted, revealing her to be Jennifer, a member of the film's cast. Her genuine reaction added a layer of authenticity to the scene.
Captivated by Jacob and his mesmerizing performance, Anna felt moved to express her feelings in a more personal way. She left a heartfelt letter, carefully tucked under the windshield of Jacob's motorcycle parked outside the bar. This simple act set the stage for what was to come.
The narrative then unfolds with Jacob discovering the letter on his bike. As he reads it, a chuckle escapes him, clearly delighted by its contents. He immediately reaches out to Anna over the phone.
The film teases the audience with a glimpse of the letter in Jacob's hands. However, due to the cursive writing and the brief exposure, compounded by Jacob's head obstructing the view, the audience is left hanging, their curiosity about the letter's contents unfulfilled.
After the phone call, Jacob and Anna rendezvous at a café. The camera tenderly captures Anna's inquiry, "Were you scared?" Jacob's response is a simple, reassuring smile and a shake of his head.
"I suppose you wouldn't be here if it had scared you," Anna observes, her smile warm, her eyes radiating deep affection towards him.
Jacob meets her gaze, his smile reflecting his own affection. "No, it was actually quite nice...and unexpectedly amusing," he shares openly. "And just so you know, I don't think you're crazy. Not in the slightest. I thought it was important to clarify that, just in case."
The film then gracefully transitions into scenes of Jacob and Anna growing closer, capturing moments of them walking together and Jacob visiting Anna's apartment. Their conversation there is a whispered exchange, mindful of Anna's sleeping roommate.
From the moment Anna introduced her wine to Jacob, his reaction, "It's strong!" sparked a playful exchange between them.
Anna, with a teasing smile, inquired, "Do you not drink much?"
Jacob, mirroring her smile, confessed, "You're right."
Anna's curiosity was piqued as she wondered, "How can that be, considering you work as a performer at a bar? Don't patrons often offer you drinks?"
Jacob's response came with a light-hearted laugh, "Haha, just because I work in a bar and love motorbikes doesn't mean I need to drink all the time."
The conversation then naturally flowed to Anna's hobby, which was writing. Initially hesitant, Anna's shyness was apparent as she decided to share her work with Jacob.
"You're not allowed to laugh, okay?" she warned, a hint of vulnerability in her voice as she handed over her writing.
Jacob chuckled softly, his demeanor reassuring as he made himself comfortable on the bed. "Alright, I won't laugh," he promised.
Anna's admission, "I've never read it out loud before," revealed her nervousness. "So, you'll be the first one to hear it," she said, her gaze meeting Jacob's, inviting him into a part of her world no one else had seen.
Jacob's response was a supportive smile, full of anticipation for what Anna was about to share.
"Really, you want to hear it?" Anna's voice carried a blend of excitement and vulnerability.
With a decisive nod from Jacob, Anna let out a gentle laugh, then commenced her reading. "I thought I understood it," her voice was tender and clear, inviting Jacob into her inner world.
"That I could grasp it, but I didn't," she continued, her words painting a vivid picture of introspection. "Not really. Just the 'smudgeness' of it. The pink-slippered, all-encompassing, semi-precious eagerness of it. I didn't realize it could sometimes be more than whole. That the idea of wholeness was actually quite luxurious."
Jacob listened intently as Anna expressed, "Because it's the halves that halve you in half." She delved further, "Didn't know. Don't know about the in-between bits." With a tone of revelation, she added, "The gory bits of you and gory bits of me. I like 'the halves that halve you in half.'"
Upon finishing, Jacob's expression teetered on the edge of laughter. "Like the halves that halve you in half," he repeated, his smile breaking free.
The audience, drawn into this intimate moment, couldn't help but chuckle along. As the film progressed, it warmed their hearts and stirred nostalgia, especially among the couples present.
While some anticipated the storyline to unfold as a typical love story, the looming reality of Anna's return to England added an unexpected layer of complexity.
Before her departure, Jacob had a special gift for Anna—a song. With Jacob on the guitar, the audience braced themselves for another heartfelt performance, ready to be captivated once more by the magic of music.