Iron Man & Time After Time – live commentaries

Well, this is a weird idea. The American Cinematheque will host a pair of screenings at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, which will feature live “audio commentaries” by Nicholas Meyer and Jon Favreau, the directors of TIME AFTER TIME and IRON MAN, respectively. Here’s how the Cinematheque promotes the events:

Do you like the bonus extras on a DVD where the filmmaker comments on his/her film? Experience this live at the Aero! The second installment on an ongoing series inviting filmmakers and artists to comment live on their film while it is shown: Jon Favreau will dissect his box office success IRON MAN, and Nicholas Meyer will share his memories on making TIME AFTER TIME. Please note that the directors will be speaking DURING the film screening. The experience will be different than our usual format of speaking before or after the film. If you have not seen the films previously, this may not be the event for you!

TIME AFTER TIME screens on Friday, September 5 at 7:30pm with Meyer. IRON MAN screens on Saturday, September 6 at 7:30pm with Favreau.

Peronsally, if I get a chance to see a favorite film on the big screen, I want to see it without any extra added bonus features. Q&A sessions after a film are a perfectly adequate way for cast-and-crew to talk about their work; plus, it gives the audience a chance to join in the dialogue.

But who knows? Stranger things have worked. Maybe I’ll be surprised at the results. What I’ll be most curious to see is whether this gambit actually attracts an audience.

The Aero Theatre is located at 1328 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90403. (323) 634-4878.