London Film Festival 2019 - day 5 (the last day)

No spoilers here.
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This was an earlier start at about 8.30am because I wanted to get a ticket to a talk and you have to go in person on the day.
 
But I massively overshot and so had time for breakfast on the Southbank. Apparently the posh place I went wasn't a fan of salt so my eggs and mushrooms were somewhat lacking despite costing an arm and a leg (pesky London Prices). It's just not the same if you season it after.
 
Anyway, I managed to get my name on the list for the talk and browsed the BFI shop. Then on to my first (and only) festival film of the day.

​A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD stars Tom Hanks as beloved American children's TV host Fred "Mr" Rogers. A cynical journalist is assigned to profile Mr Rogers and has his heart softened.
 
It's sickly sweet but still very touching. If you'd grown up with Mr Rogers it probably would have been more special but they at least made sure international audiences got what it was all about.
 
I could sense people shifting in their seats and wiping their eyes during one scene that was essentially looking into Tom Hanks's eyes for 60 seconds. But that's the power of cinema!

​Back over the bridge for the talk. It was a presentation by director Nina Menkes looking at the visual language of oppression. That means what camera angles, framing, lighting effects and other techniques are used in film to indicate power, worth and gaze. It was immensely educational and I'm so glad I got to go.
 
As I walked back to the tube I saw them setting up for THE IRISHMAN red carpet. It was much hubbub but I couldn’t stay and try to spot the stars. I went back to pick up my bag, leave a gift for my hosts and head to the station.

​I can’t believe how much I loved this trip. It’s been less than a year since I started on something of an odyssey into film and this was an amazing opportunity. I got to go to premieres, see directors and actors, meet fellow critics and spend time with great friends.
 
Bring on the next festival!