HughE Dillon: Philadelphia Film Festival Opens

Last night, the 21st Philadelphia Film Festival opened with a bang, screening Silver Linings Playbook, a film made in Philadelphia and directed by David O. Russell (center), starring Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Jennifer Lawrence, and dozens of Philadelphia-born actors such as Tiffany E. Green (left), Pete Postiglione (second from left), and Brea Bee (second from right). Matthew Quick (right) wrote the book the movie is based on. Brea plays Bradley Cooper’s wife. I caught up with them at the afterparty at R2L. For the next 11 days, the Philadelphia Film Festival will offer screenings at six different locations throughout Center City. Many of the films will have their directors, producers and actors in attendance, participating in Q & A’s after the credits roll. I always find them interesting; it’s where you get to hear all the fun, behind-the-scenes tidbits. For example, when Quick wrote his book, there were several mentions of Philadelphia Eagle Hank Baskett in the storyline; by the time the movie came out, Baskett had been traded and DeSean Jackson’s name took its place.