Exploring the art of filmmaking: 'Behind the Camera' at the Cameo Cinema in St. Helena
By Tim Carl
ST. HELENA, Calif. — Few experiences are more pleasant in summer than stepping from the scorching heat of the afternoon into the cool, dark confines of a movie theater to be transported into another world by a well-crafted film. St. Helena's Cameo Cinema is likely one of the best venues for such an experience.
Enhancing its appeal, the Cameo recently launched a cinematic exploration series titled “Behind the Camera” that further elevates the charm of this intimate, velvet-seated movie theater in the heart of the Napa Valley. This new monthly series invites film enthusiasts to delve into the filmmaking process, offering the opportunity to view newly released films followed by in-depth conversations with well-known actors and filmmakers involved in their creation. From the initial concept to the polished final product, the series offers a window into the craft that transforms compelling narratives into cinematic art.
"The Cameo is an ideal venue for this new series because our community is curious and engaged and because our theater has state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment," said Cathy Buck, proprietor of the theater. "Also, because we live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet, many industry people either live in the area or enjoy visiting and sharing their expertise and experiences with our patrons."
To emphasize Buck's point, this new venture premiered with the showing of the new sci-fi film "Asteroid City," directed by Wes Anderson and produced by Roman Coppola. After the movie Coppola, a longtime resident of Rutherford, answered the audience's questions.
Joining Coppola was his wife, Jennifer Furches, the script supervisor for "Asteroid City," a role that is vital in maintaining narrative integrity. Furches’ experience includes working on "Fantastic Mr. Fox" (2009) and "The Darjeeling Limited" (2007). Also onstage were Buck and Jay Reed, director of the Cameo's Fork2Film Festival.
Coppola moved from Los Angeles to the area in the mid-1970s after his father and mother purchased Inglenook Winery. Since then the Coppola family have been enthusiastic supporters of the Cameo Cinema, often ensuring that the family's newly released films are shown at the earliest possible moment at the tiny venue.
And this is no small undertaking. The Coppola family has been involved in more than 80 films, including those from Francis Ford, Eleanor, Sofia, Gia, Roman, Christopher, Robert Schwartzman, Nicolas Kim (also known as Nicolas Cage) and Talia Rose (also known as Talia Shire), and the local community has come to view the entire Coppola family as part of the very fabric that helps maintain the town's ethos.
The packed audience stayed in their seats as the credits ran and lights lifted to hear Coppola’s and Furches' insights into the complexity and challenges of their craft.
"I remember coming here as a kid, so sharing these films in this setting means a lot to us," Coppola said. "It's a way to stay connected, to hear what people are thinking and to share the experience."
But the "Behind the Camera" experience was more than just the homecoming of a beloved community member. It was a means for two of those intimately involved in the creation of the film to delve into the motivation and emotion behind why the film was made in the first place.
The Coppola-Furches team’s insights into the creation of "Asteroid City" were as enlightening and entertaining as the film itself. They shared that some scenes took more than 70 takes to shoot, that an entire Spanish village had been transformed into the set and that the three 7-year-old actors had to be filmed separately due to the challenges of completing a scene without disruptions.
Anderson's distinctive film style, known for detailed, symmetrical compositions and vivid colors, was also a focus of discussion. Anderson’s style is evident in works such as "The Royal Tenenbaums" (2001), which portrays family dynamics; "Moonrise Kingdom" (2012), capturing whimsy; "The Grand Budapest Hotel" (2014), showing his love for mise-en-scène; and "Fantastic Mr. Fox" (2009), a demonstration in animation. Even in early works such as "Rushmore" (1998) his themes and style are clear.
However, "Asteroid City" marks a departure, with a somber tone as characters face grief, loss and disconnection before finding acceptance. Despite these heavy themes, the movie is enjoyable and weird enough to keep any Wes Anderson fan happy and engaged as it explores a space-cadet convention that is disrupted by aliens and features a host of well-known actors.
"My hope is that people come away from this movie with something distinctly personal," Coppola said. "And that's important; we might have our ideas about what the film brings to us, but everyone is different and comes in with their experiences, history and desires."
The success of "Behind the Camera" lies not only in its premier films and distinguished guests but also in its dedication to illuminating the process of filmmaking. It acknowledges those who shape the cinematic experience.
"It just brings the film to life in a deeper way when you hear about how much work and thought went into every scene," said Tina Skouras, an interior designer who grew up in the area.
According to Buck, Cameo Cinema looks forward to future installments of "Behind the Camera," promising a varied selection of films and engaging discussions with industry professionals. The series seeks to bridge the gap between filmmakers and viewers, deepening appreciation for the art and nurturing a love for cinema in St. Helena and beyond.
"Filmmaking is both a complicated and collaborative process," Buck said. "Gaining insight into the creative journey not only enriches the viewing experience but also allows 'Behind the Camera' to honor the collective effort essential in bringing stories to life."
Upcoming "Behind the Camera" events include viewing “Oppenheimer” followed by a discussion with Ruth de Jong, the movie's production designer who is known for her work on films such as "Nope" (2022), "Us" (2019) and "Manchester by the Sea" (2016). De Jong's work also extends to the hit TV series "Yellowstone," and she and her brother operate the LA-based furniture and design company De Jong & Co. As head of the art department in film projects, de Jong plays a crucial role in crafting the visual world onscreen, an essential aspect of cinematic storytelling. The event is scheduled for Aug. 24 at 5 p.m. Tickets are $30 and include a glass of wine. The program will offer a unique opportunity to delve into the creative world of one of the industry's most skilled production designers.
Tim Carl is a Napa Valley based photojournalist.