Even Fox Searchlight event chief Ruth Busenkell was surprised at the response to the premiere and party for Juno last night. Four days after the invitations had gone out—over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, no less—the RSVP line was closed and the 1,341-seat Mann Village Theatre was overbooked.
"In all my years of doing premieres, this is the first time any filled up this fast," Busenkell said, adding her theory that the movie fills a niche of light but not too light, and sweet, but wise, too: "The buzz on this film has really caught on. It's the only kind of movie of its type right now—fun, younger, less heavy than some of the other things that are out, but also a little more sophisticated than some of the family films."
The guests who made it inside the screening seemed to agree, laughing and clapping emphatically at appropriate times—even staying seated clear through the end credits (a premiere-audience rarity) to listen to a short set from the band the Moldy Peaches, who contributed to the movie's soundtrack. When they did make their way out onto Broxton, guests were met by a team of runners in high school uniforms reminiscent of those worn by one of the movie's adolescent male leads.About 800 people moved down the street to the Napa Valley Grille, where a trio of seasons—inspired by the advancing pregnancy of the character Juno in the film—determined the decor. Outside, winter blanketed the patio and a closed-off portion of the sidewalk and curb in the form of white carpeting and faux snow. (Parking meters covered in white fabric seemed almost imperceptible.) Inside, spring flowers formed an archway over one area, and autumnal trees towered by another doorway.
The menu from Napa Valley Grille stuck with seasonal favorites, too, like savory flatbreads and dried fruit cobbler presented in massive skillets. And the blue slushies favored in the film by the pregnant Juno were available from a tabletop machine. Articulating what was clearly true, Busenkell said, "The party really ties back into the movie."
"In all my years of doing premieres, this is the first time any filled up this fast," Busenkell said, adding her theory that the movie fills a niche of light but not too light, and sweet, but wise, too: "The buzz on this film has really caught on. It's the only kind of movie of its type right now—fun, younger, less heavy than some of the other things that are out, but also a little more sophisticated than some of the family films."
The guests who made it inside the screening seemed to agree, laughing and clapping emphatically at appropriate times—even staying seated clear through the end credits (a premiere-audience rarity) to listen to a short set from the band the Moldy Peaches, who contributed to the movie's soundtrack. When they did make their way out onto Broxton, guests were met by a team of runners in high school uniforms reminiscent of those worn by one of the movie's adolescent male leads.About 800 people moved down the street to the Napa Valley Grille, where a trio of seasons—inspired by the advancing pregnancy of the character Juno in the film—determined the decor. Outside, winter blanketed the patio and a closed-off portion of the sidewalk and curb in the form of white carpeting and faux snow. (Parking meters covered in white fabric seemed almost imperceptible.) Inside, spring flowers formed an archway over one area, and autumnal trees towered by another doorway.
The menu from Napa Valley Grille stuck with seasonal favorites, too, like savory flatbreads and dried fruit cobbler presented in massive skillets. And the blue slushies favored in the film by the pregnant Juno were available from a tabletop machine. Articulating what was clearly true, Busenkell said, "The party really ties back into the movie."
Wintertime on a Westwood sidewalk.
Photo: BizBash
On their way out of the screening, guests encountered guys in high school P.E. uniforms, recalling the garb of a character in the film.
Photo: BizBash
A promotional truck parked outside the party offered a glimpse into Juno's bedroom.
Photo: BizBash
The party's wintry section took over the outdoor space, blanketing the Westwood sidewalk in white carpet and faux snow.
Photo: BizBash
Bartenders wore versions of high school uniforms.
Photo: BizBash
Inside, an archway covered in spring flowers represented that season.
Photo: BizBash
Guests grazed at a buffet, behind which stood a giant image from the movie set.
Photo: BizBash
