The night was exciting for what was to be a harrowing film.
On June 10th, I attended the pre party at the Tribeca CinemaCenter at Bar Feroce in the Moxy Chelsea. The event was sponsored by Sommsarion Wines, and featured a delicious Ricochet -2021 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Amongst the extensive cocktail menu, my favorite was the Hudson Whisky NY Old Fashioned, using Hudson’s Bightlights Big Bourbon. While there wasn’t a ton of talk about the festival as a whole, it had only just started, there was talk about the subject matter of Eric LaRue, namely school shootings. There’s was discourse about the numerous films that handled the subject matter, such as The Fallout or Mass, and intrigued on how Eric LaRue would examine the epidemic through the eyes of the parent of a school shooter. A lot of people were taken aback that this would be the film Michael Shannon would make his directorial debut with. These thoughts were in my mind when I attended the red carpet.
On the red carpet, I had a chance to talk to a few actors from the film, namely Annie Parisse (Law & Order; National Treasure) and Alexander Skarsgard (Infinity Pool, The Northman) along with producers. Annie Parisse, playing one of the mothers of the school shooter’s victims, talked extensively about how Brett Neveu, the writer of the Eric LaRue play and film, provided a unique and under-examined perspective on school shootings, namely the trauma of the aftermath months down the line. She described the film as “a feat of empathy”, a sentiment shared throughout the people I spoke with. I spoke with producers Jina Panebianco and John Straley, who talked about how the film cuts through the political divide over school shootings and gun regulations by focusing more on handling the trauma, and the frustration and confusion that can come from voices telling you what to think and feel, rather than just listen and help you. John Straley further explained how the confusion examined in the film can apply to many tragedies beyond school shootings. There sentiments were perfectly captured when I spoke to Alexander Skarsgard, who played the father of the school shooter. He discussed how his character heavily used religion as a way to cope with trauma, and found community though becoming a born again Christian. He talked about how his character got guidance and answers from his paster, and became dedicated to sharing that guidance with his wife. This leads to the film’s central conflict, as the religious guidance that he found supportive just doesn’t help her, or provide the closure she needs.
Alexander Skarsgard celebrated his film Eric Larue at the Tribeca Cinema Center held at Bar Feroce by Tao Group presented by Magnum Ice Cream, Peroni and Sommsation
Guests at the various film soirees sipped on a selection of hand-picked wines from Sommsation wine experience experts, along with Peroni Nastro Azzurro, both their premium Italian lager and 0.0% non-alcoholic lager. Paired with an abundance of delicious cuisine favorites from each eatery, attendees enjoyed delectable premium Magnum ice cream bars. Cocktails were also served featuring Milagro Tequila, Hendrick’s Gin, Reyka Vodka, and Hudson Whiskey.
Sommsation & Tao Group Hospitality hosted the pre-reception for “Eric Larue” at the Tribeca Cinema Center held in Bar Feroce. Guests in attendance at the intimate reception included: Alexander Skarsgard, Joel Michaely, Brett Neveu, Jina Panebianco, Jaylee Kennedy, Shea Pritchard, Karl Hartman, Sarah Green, Annie Parisse, David Manning, Kailyn Shephard, Sergio Farias, and more which took place prior to the festival premiere screening. Leading Hollywood Event Producer Roxstar Entertainment, hosted the events for these highlighted Tribeca films all week, via their newest hospitality platform, the Cinema Center.
