On Saturday evening at 7:30, attendees filled the Boulder Theater anxiously awaiting “An Evening with Alan Arkin.” Oscar-winning Arkin is the festival’s biggest celebrity this year.
Earlier in the day, BIFF co-founder and director Kathy Beeck, had tea with Arkin and his wife, Susan, and described them as “purely delightful.” Before arriving at BIFF, Arkin had been working on a new film, “Love the Coopers” in Pittsburgh. “It is going to be a teriffic movie,” he said.
The Saturday night event kicked off with a tribute video highlighting some of Arkin’s greatest achievements in his 60-year film career. Clips from films including Catch 22, Indian Summer, Little Miss Sunshine, Argo, and Million Dollar Arm were shown. The audience cheered and laughed at the short clips that showcased Arkin’s diverse talent, in both drama and comedy roles.
Afterwards, Ron Bostwick presented Alan Arkin with the Career Achievement Award. Arkin received the award and said, “Oh great, another phallic symbol! At my age, this comes in handy.”
Bostwick and Arkin sat together on stage and spoke about his career. Arkin began as a musician in a band known as “The Terriers.” Arkin claims that they were the first integrated band. Arkin helped to write the song, “The Banana Boat,” which he admits was ripped off from an old Jamaican folk song. He gave up his music career for one in acting, which began with improv. “I had to give up a career in order to get one. You think it’s the end, and then, boom! It’s only the beginning.”
Arkin spent time on Broadway and claims that he will never return. He said that in order to do a play, he would have to be able to rehearse for two days, do it once, be able to read from the book, and be promised world peace. Then he would think about it…and would still decide not to do it.
As Arkin commented on the film industry and how it reflects what’s going on in the country. He showed his humble side and asked the audience, “Is this making any sense?” The audience responded with loud applause.
Arkin claims that he has lived his life searching for more. “My search is to find the rose garden that I see when I look into some of the faces that I can tell have that rose garden.”
Bostwick brought up a clip from the Muppets where Arkin sang a song, “Pig.” Arkin said he loved looking at the clip and remembered that his time with the Muppets was wonderful. “They are such a delightful bunch. It’s possibly one of the best weeks of my life.”
Alan Arkin and his wife have hosted over 100 workshops and he considers this to be extremely important. “It’s one of the most important things I do and it’s for everyone.” His commitment to teaching others the craft and perfecting their skill set is admirable. His humor, humble nature and wit makes him an incredibly appealing character and honoree. Boulder was honored by having Alan Arkin at BIFF this year. Throughout his career, he has made a huge impact on the film industry and will continue to do so.
