Malibu has a part in several ways in the 9th annual Method Fest taking place in Calabasas this Thursday through April 5.
In addition to Malibu resident Michael Madsen being honored with the festival’s Maverick Award a few weeks ago, two film entries have a local angel. Malibu resident Todd Robinson’s film, “Lonely Hearts,” will screen April 4 as the closing night film and longtime Malibu resident John Savage has a featured role in the short film, “No Destination,” which will screen Saturday, and appears in the film “Father & Son,” which screens on Sunday. Also, Malibu resident Robert Wagner will appear at the festival to accept on behalf of Christopher Plummer the Method Fest’s 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award.
Named for the Stanislavski Method of acting, the independent film festival showcases new and seasoned actors in character-driven performances, and story-driven projects of young filmmakers and well-known directors.
“It’s our finest lineup of films we’ve ever had and I think our lineup can stand up to any festival in the country,” event director Don Franken said.
The ensemble cast of Robinson’s “Lonely Hearts” includes John Travolta, Salma Hayek, James Gandolfini, Laura Dern, Jared Leto and Scott Caan. The film is based on the true story of lovers who committed 20 murders during the late 1940s and the emotional effects the traumatic case had on homicide detective Elmer C. Robinson, grandfather of Todd Robinson.
“I took this historical story, which could represent any one of the hundreds of homicides that my grandfather had worked on, and used that as a stepping-off point to deconstruct his relationship with [my grandmother] and my dad,” Robinson said.
Laid against the backdrop of the highly salacious murders, detective Robinson, played by Travolta, is struggling with his wife’s recent suicide while making a choice between being a cop and the people he loves the most.
“Travolta’s performance is very subtle, a lot of it is in his eyes. You look at him and you know what he’s thinking and feeling,” Robinson said of the actor.
Hayek plays the role of Martha Beck, a chillingly unlikable and unsympathetic co-conspirator in the serial murders.
“Salma is terrifying and maniacal in the movie,” Robinson said. “I hope that people who know the story won’t prejudice her performance with ethnicity and appearance; rather they experience her bold and courageous work.”
Film short “No Destination,” written and directed by Shannah Laumeister, features New York native and longtime Malibu resident Savage, an advocate of first-time directors and independent cinema.
“I like to encourage the voice of younger people,” Savage said of his participation in the film. “This is where the Spielbergs come from.”
Ditching his sensitive-guy persona, Savage’s offbeat lead character is a violent madman who wakes up one morning and decides his days are done. Frustrated and self-destructive, his alcohol and drug-infused breakdown leads him on a murderous path while getting others to follow him on his mission.
“John really put himself into the character,” Laumeister said. “Although he’s crazy, he is quirky, funny and interesting, and you just can’t take your eyes off of him.”
“No Destination” will screen Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at Viewpoint at the Carlson Family Theatre, 23620 Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas, prior to the premiere of the feature film “Charlie,” and will be followed with a discussion with Savage. The actor also appears in “Father & Son,” which premieres Sunday, April 1. “Lonely Hearts” will screen April 4, 6:30 p.m., at the Louis B. Mayer Theatre, Motion Picture & Television Fund, 23388 Mulholland Dr., Woodland Hills. Method Fest events include film screenings, youth seminars, acting workshops and industry events, and will feature tributes to actors and filmmakers. A total of 26 feature films and 44 shorts will be presented at this year’s festival. More information can be obtained online at www.methodfest.com