Dennis Hopper – A Celebrity Giant with a Cause

Las Vegas’ CineVegas Film Festival celebrated its 11^th year of supporting those exceptional artists, filmmakers and independent films that are the backbone of the new wave of creative genius in the field of cinema.  This year, the festival was held from June 10 through June 15, 2009 – after decisions to make it one extra-lengthy weekend, paring down the schedule from its original ten days.  We truly believe that this condensed festival really works – for there is less glory glowing and more what the film industry’s goals are ‘reely’all about.   

The recipients of the 2009 major category awards were:

Jon Voight – Marquee Award

Willem Dafoe – Vanguard Actor Award

Kuchar Brothers  - Vanguard Directors Award 
 

The most wonderful part of CineVegas this year was the opportunity to interview and converse with Dennis Hopper, an icon and legend in the world of filmmaking.

It was a delightful, free-flowing conversation that made us realize what a true gentleman and dedicated soul is the great Dennis Hopper. 

Dennis Hoppers’ association with CineVegas started seven years ago.  “They gave me an award about seven years ago.  I looked at the festival and felt that this is incredible – the Brenden Theaters, the Maloofs, the Greenspuns, and Trevor Groth…  I didn’t see a lot of Hollywood involvement with it and thought it would be great if the entertainment giants were sitting next to each other and got more involved.  So, I mentioned this to the Greenspuns and the Greenspuns said – let’s do it!  So, I started having parties at my house and inviting people from the industry - people running studios, the agents, and corporate sponsors.  That’s how it all got started – that’s the beginning of it and it worked!!!! said Mr. Hopper.  He let out a delicious laughter,   “Ha! Ha!!”  

His easy going and flowing interview was more like a conversation that just kept getting better.  He began to explore with us the various aspects of the raison d’etre behind CineVegas.  “No other festival concentrates on independent films.  Students get started – people come together in a way to show their films.”  Naturally, this is the best possible way of showcasing and uncovering new talent in the film industry. 

Upon questioning of any innovations that he has witnessed over his lifetime career in the world of film Hopper replied, “I started in film in 1954, under contract to Jack Warner.  I haven’t seen any innovations since 1954.  The way we shot film hasn’t changed – steady cams – long shots – medium shots – film is basically the same.” We agreed that The Jazz Singer everything in the world of motion pictures.  Film was no longer silent – it spoke and it even sang!  “The Jazz Singer was the beginning of film as we know of it today.  The Internet and DVD’s have changed everything with new ways to distribute films.  It allows filmmakers to make films cheaply.”   

When we spoke of how many filmmakers have to “max out” their credit cards to finance their films, he smiled.  “Easy Rider was on Peter Fonda’s dad’s (the late, great, Henry Fonda) Master and American Express credit cards.” 

Dennis Hopper had a few closing remarks when our time was coming to end our interview. 

“ I did Giant while I while under contract to Jack Warner.   Jack Warner liked Rin Tin Tin as an actor because he didn’t talk back…” Hopper’s sense of dry humor came forth with this comment and his blue eyes sparkled with glee.   

In the future, Dennis Hopper hopes that there will be wider distribution and more art houses to showcase and screen independent films.  There are so few art houses – two that share screens in multiplexes in Las Vegas and NYC still has a plethora of these theaters.  Hopper added, “Well, NYC still has a great number, but Los Angeles has gone from 12 to only one.”  In the future Hopper would like to see as he closed our exchange, “If you make films in a Cineplex that has an indy theater, a foreign one, and one for history of film” (re-released older works) that could be a working goal.” 

It was truly enlightening to get Dennis Hopper’s feedback for it was an insight from a major film legend of our times.  We truly thank you, Mr. Hopper.  Thanks are also given to Kelly Frey, without whom, this interview would not have been possible. 

CineVegas – we are ready and waiting to see all of the endeavors in filmmaking in 2010.  So – get ready once more for reel speed, film rolling and action!