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I went to the show last night. Barry Lyndon was as brilliant as I knew it would be. What did surprise me was how funny and light the film it was. Unfortunately, it was not a clean copy, the colors were a bit faded, and there was some damage here and there, though overall it was a great experience.
Looking back, what has really stayed with me was the trip to and back from the cinema: I took the metro, getting off at the Hollywood and Vine stop. As I was making my way out I saw an old guy, who had been running through the station, take two steps on the escalator before tripping and landing head first at the bottom. I never saw anybody fall as far or as hard as he did. For a few seconds he didn't move at all and then he began snoring -- which was odd. Somebody called 911 and by the time I hit the corner an ambulance was pulling up.
The walk back from the Egyptian turned out to be just as eventful. As you may know, Hollywood Blvd at 11:30 at night is a much different place then it is a 6:30. For starters, it can be a little dangerous. Maybe a little more then I first realised. For the first half of walk back I could not shake this guy who was walking behind me and having a loud conversation into makeshift cell phone. So, I went into a corner store to dodge him and was immediately greeted by a seriously stoned individual -- be it drugs or alcohol, I could not tell, but his hand was out to shake mine. He looked a like the lead gangster from Broadway Danny Rose, but he turned out to be pretty nice. I didn't accept his hand but I patted him on the shoulder and quickly moved around him. He wasn't satisfied though and he followed me around the store insisting he buy me something. I told him I was fine but he acted insulted and not wanting to piss him off, I finally agreed. Well, he bought me the drink (and a sandwich for himself) and then tried to hand me the change from the $20. Patrick (that was his name) continued to follow me out the door, insisting I take his money, but I told him that when he sobered up he probably would regret that particular gesture. We walked for a bit talking about pyramids and space travel (no kidding!) and when we got to the metro station I shook his hand and bade him well. He asked if I wanted to meet here again on Wednesday to see Crosby, Still and Nash
at the Greek Theater and I told him I would think about it.