Walker
Phillips Victor told me he lost the film. What? I did so want to see my Livia in the film. Now that she's crossed the Rainbow Bridge (dead), I really would have loved to see her performance. |
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Walker Phillips is the art world's fastest rising star. His paintings are sold out at the opening party of each of his shows. He's written about in glowing hyperbole by art critics of the NY Times and other respected publications. Problem is -- Walker hates the limelight, has no charisma, charm or the dashing good looks required to be a darling in the art world or any other, for that matter. |
 Another Walker Phillips gallery opening -- the public is enthralled. Victor directs Steadicam operator in foreground. |
 Walker's life stand-in, Elliott (Darren Criss - Glee's Blaine Anderson, Kurt's boyfriend) with Victor |
Walker asks his best friend, Elliott Richards, who has all the requisite characteristics minus talent, to be his stand in at all public events. Elliott gladly takes over Walker's life and a percentage of his fees. Elliott is the center of attention, getting the adulation of the public and romance in private. Eventually, Walker gets jealous of his own life and wants it back. What will happen then? |
 The brooding artist, Walker (Todd Brotze). |
I, Bonnie Steiger, play Dorine, Walker's biggest supporter and gallery owner. I'm over-the-top excited about this latest gallery show and the impending interview Walker will have with New York Times art critic Angelica Houghton (Jessie Newman). I try my best Katherine Hepburn accent, and if it falters, it's because Dorine is affected and in her excitement, she fails to maintain her Upper East Side crust. My excitement turns to jealousy when Walker seems to be flirting with Angelica, and then to girlish exuberance when he kisses me. |
 Jessie Newman and I go over the scene with Victor. |
 A grueling day on set: kiss after kiss after kiss.... with Darren Criss |
 Kissing up to the director of photographer. |
| Victor Solomon knows how to shoot a movie -- lots of equipment; lots of time for set ups; lots of angles and coverage; quiet, yet effective directing; an assistant director to do the yelling for him; wonderful makeup and hair; an abundant craft table; a big hug and thank you when it's over. He even let me bring Livia, my pooch (color coordinated to my costume). And the actors had a trailer right outside our set on 16th and Mission Streets. |
 Cozily ensconced in sundry equipment and Livia always near me, though the shot was medium. She probably made it into the last shot of the day as Steadicam Man scouted the whole room for activity. |
 "A Gallery Owner and her Dog." |
 Victor considering his next shot. |