Hey everyone. Capone in Chicago here.
I don't usually report on our various screenings or events in Chicago after the fact, but last night's I LOVE YOU, MAN screening and Q&A with Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, and bonus guest--the film's writer-director John Hamburg-went so extraordinarily well that I just wanted to give you a little taste of the proceedings. First off, this was the biggest, greatest, most receptive crowd ever. The venue where the event was held is designed as a concert venue, but they also play movies there regularly. The picture was a bit on the dim side, but the sound was great, and people were literally roaring with laughter. I saw people crying from laughing so hard.
There was a comedy theater group that warmed up the crowd before we started the movie, and as part of their routine, they had a guy playing electric piano. They also served to delay the film's start just long enough to allow for Rudd and Hamburg's late arrival due to a delayed flight. We actually managed to fake out the audience a little at the beginning of the Q&A by letting them think Paul still hadn't arrived but was on his way. In fact, he'd gotten to the venue with about 20 minutes to spare. So Jason and I took the stage and immediately began talking about Paul, who was waiting in the wings. Jason launched into this extremely loving tribute, calling Paul dreamy and essentially saying that, as a guy, you look at Rudd and say to yourself, "I would go there with him."
At this point Paul came out, the crowd went nuts, and the two men embraced for what seemed like eternity with Jason allowing his hands to go exploring on Paul's perfect ass. I'll admit I don't remember many of the specific questions (a lot of last night's Q&A has already started popping up on YouTube), but I do remember a moment when Paul began to tell a story that he realized was the exact same story that John Hamburg had just told. In mock embarrassment, he doubled over (actually he bent over and covered his head in shame), and Jason immediately took a comforting stance directly behind Paul's aforementioned ass. He gently allowed his hips to grind into Paul while stroking his back and telling him everything was okay. It was quite loving.
One great moment occurred when an audience member asked Jason what the male version of a "chick flick" should be called, and without a moment's hesitation, he answered "A dick flick." Add that to your phrase books, folks.
But I think the undeniable highlight of the evening was a request to bring back the piano from the opening act, which allowed Jason to do this:
There are a handful of clips of this priceless moment on YouTube from various angles. I'm the one on the left, running off stage because I can't stop laughing. Watch the clip where you can really see Paul and Jason's faces. Their reactions are pefection.
Great movie, great crowd, and, especially great guests. Thanks everyone for making this the greatest Chicago AICN event ever.
-- Capone
capone@aintitcoolmail.com
