[IMG:L]Partying With the Last Air I Breathe
Sleep deprivation and chaos set aside, I was definitely feeling a tinge of melancholy as my ‘party life’ was winding down to a halt. It was my first Tribeca Film Festival, and it was certainly a glamorous entrée into NYC’s exclusive V.I.P. life. Concluding a two-week ‘run’ filled with adrenaline-driven hustling and bouncing around the city, The Air I Breathe after-party marked the grand finale of my high-profile film fetes, and an end to a dreamy streak of hip soirees.
Teetering on the borderline of early burnout, but committed to the end, I forged ahead, swinging by NYC’s hottest celeb locale Tenjune, to attend the red carpet premiere party of The Air I Breathe. Based on a Chinese proverb, the film is an action-packed crime drama with four integrated vignettes, much like 21 Grams.
The first to arrive on the scene was the dashing Brendan Fraser. Looking extremely buff, tall and stern, he had a pensive air of confidence that was almost intimidating–much like his film’s character. Posing for a few photographs, he rushed his way into Tenjune to get the party started.
Next to roll onto the red carpet were–none other than my favorite ‘Barbie and Ken’ couple–Sarah Michelle Gellar with hubby Freddie Prinze Jr. Dolled-up in a knee-length black dress, belted with an eye-catching silver sequined midsection and matching collar, she was a vision of glamour and shimmering beauty. Prinze Jr. looked irresistibly handsome and dashing decked out in a dark, pinstripe suit. Based on his demeanor and appearance, I concluded he was the perfect ‘take home to mama’ guy. Posing first with Gellar–who convincingly plays a pop star–Prinze Jr. graciously stepped to the side to let his girl do her thing. This is young hot Hollywood in love and at its best. Truly the sight of a perfect, radiant couple, they strolled into the thumping club.
[IMG:R]Shortly after Kevin Bacon, minus wife Kyra, arrived to continue with the posing and photo frenzy. Still looking youthful and hot, the talented actor was dressed in a casually-hip-meets-handsomely-chic ensemble, in a pair of blue jeans and matching blazer. With memories of Footloose darting across my mind, Bacon simultaneously displayed his legendary quick-on-his-feet skill set by cuttin’-loose, and disappearing into the festivities.
The next appearance was one I was anxiously awaiting for all evening. Heartthrob Cuban actor Andy Garcia arrived looking too handsome for words, and oozing infamous Latin sex appeal. He appeared stylish in a suit with his dark, slicked-back hair. Irrefutably, the movie in which he single-handedly melted female hearts around the globe was When a Man Loves a Woman; and although he has embodied tougher mob personas since, he will always represent the uber romantic, tall, dark and handsome lead.
Smitten by his older looks, I watched him strut the red carpet in awe, as my heart palpitated at an irregular pace. Desperate for an interview with him, I watched in anguish as he only gave us a ‘walk-by’ on the red carpet, posing briefly for the paparazzi. Much to my chagrin, I wouldn’t be chatting with Andy that night; but at least I knew he’d be adding some serious flavor to the party. Sigh.
Privileged to join the after-party, I was anxious to breathe in some of the action. The celebs had nestled comfortably in their designated VIP sections while the enormous crowd mingled, networked, nibbled and drank.
This was one of the hottest parties at the festival, and I felt the excitement rush through my body as I glanced around and took note of the finer details. Gorgeous male models were serving delectable appetizers like Parmesan sprinkled, truffle oil fried fries and goat cheese garnished square watermelon pieces. Presented with appetizing options, it was almost difficult to decipher which appeared more delicious: the servers or servings.
[IMG:L]After helping myself to the usual cosmo special, I took pleasure in the groovy DJ beats, and chatted up some industry folks, while hearing the unconfirmed scoop that The Air I Breathe was under purchasing consideration by a big studio. Since it was still in the early stages of discussion, nothing more was disclosed.
In the midst of the small talk, my eager eyes fell upon the gorgeous son of Goldie Hawn, actor Oliver Hudson. Although he fell under the radar for some, having spotted another celeb cutie, I couldn’t suppress a my giddy smile, as Hudson mingled with fellow party attendants.
The stars of the film kept it lively, as Prinze Jr. fetched drinks, and Andy Garcia socialized with an eager group. Bacon broke out early; and the seemingly shy Fraser hid in the corner to avoid commoners. Mesmerized by the beautiful stars, I circled the party a little more. Feeling content with my evening’s exploits, I made peace with accepting the finale of a wonderful festival of nightlife. The magical evening had turned out to be a perfect farewell celebration and end to the Tribeca after-parties.
With that I look, forward to more excitement next year.
Tribeca Film Festival Nightlife: The After-Parties – Part I
Tribeca Film Festival Nightlife: The After-Parties – Part II
Tribeca Film Festival Nightlife: The After-Parties – Part III
