The Rembrandts
May 1997
-The Rembrandts are a public opinion prize awarded by Rene Mioch, film
journalist for Veronica television in Holland. This year the ceremony took
place in Amsterdam's Planet Hollywood. To the astonishment of many,
Pamela Anderson won the award for most attractive actress. It may be the
only award ceremony that has had the privilege of reading her name from the
podium. Even Val Kilmer, who was in town for the publicity on The Saint (and
managed to pick up the award for most attractive actor while in town), was
amazed. Kilmer had to ask Rene exactly what panel of judges decided upon
the award, before it became clear that it was public polling. Lucky Pamela,
not only should she be pleased with her brass statuette, but the fact that
someone saw Barb Wire. For those of you unfamiliar with the Rembrandt
award, let me add, for clarity's sake, that Independence Day won the prize for
Best Film of the Year; that should give you a better idea of its value.
-Rene Mioch also had the pleasure of announcing the winner's of this year's
Oscars® on television for Dutch audiences. It was slightly unfortunate,
however, that as he stood in front of the auditorium building (taped later that
night) making the announcements of the winners for each category, giant
Oscars® towering behind him and red carpet flowing underneath, the sweepers
and cleaners were busy tidying up the debris behind him from the evening's
event.
-Tangerine Dream, an already well-established electronic group in the
seventies whose popular audience grew after creation of the film score for The
Exorcist, have made their first live appearance in Amsterdam after a quarter
of a century. (They call it back to the roots.) It was wonderful to hear them
performing in an intimate space like the Melkweg, even if a good portion of
the evening was already programmed on computer. At least they didn't send
their robots.
-Laurie Anderson was in Amsterdam's Paradiso performing The Speed of
Darkness, an intimate evening with stories and songs over the future of art
and technology. No big multi-media event this time, Laurie has come to the
realization that the result of getting so much information is only wanting more.
Addictive, isn't it? Nevertheless, despite her remarks about returning to less,
she still seems to travelling the globe in order to attend techno-conferences at
an amazing speed. No matter how you look at it, she still has her magic and
gives great show.
-The Dutch Queen's Birthday (Koninginnedag), which can usually be
considered one of the most amazing theatrical entertainments the Netherlands
has to offer, has recently transpired (this annual event takes place on April
30th). Unfortunately, Mayor Patijn of Amsterdam has enforced certain new
rules and restrictions that may well have signalled the first death throes for
this holiday. The free market was not allowed to start setting up until 6 A.M.
(in previous years this began the night before and allowed nocturnal visitors a
leisurely stroll to view the objects on sale as well as allowing native
Amsterdammers some hometown pleasure before the throngs of visitors begin
arriving), sale of beer was restricted solely to approved vendors (increasing
the already rampant commercialization of the festivities that has been on the
increase for several years now -- N.B. I would also like to know what has
happened to the vast amount of "illegal" beer confiscated by the police during
the day), bars and cafes had to observe normal closing hours (as opposed to
late "weekend" extensions in force during previous years). Needless to say,
the number of people both selling wares and roaming the streets was
markedly less than during previous years, despite news reports stating that the
number of people celebrating was approximately the same as usual. Despite
the population's love for the royal family, the Mayor of Amsterdam may have
made the first move in Holland toward the demise of the monarchy.
-Istvan Szabo will be in town between 21-23 May at the Maurits Binger Film
Institute giving a master class with one of his favorite actresses, Johanna ter
Steege under the title of The director and the Actress.
© 1994-2006 The Green Hartnett
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