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There is a scene in the film that involves "Power Animals," so I often get asked what my power animal is: The answer is dogs. We first premiered the film at Sundance, I was feeling probably more nervous than I have in my life, unsure about how to handle the press, the weight of trying to sell the film that night, and the little red carpet they put out in the snow. As I got to the end of the carpet and the press line, I noticed Golden Retriever with a ball in its mouth, apparently waiting for me. He/she was there amongst all the hustle, no one seemed to notice, but we made eye contact and he/she wagged it's tail. I took this as a good omen. While the rest of the cast made their way through the press line I got to play fetch. Someone from the festival nicely found the address on his tag and escorted him home as we went in. I'm sorry I do not have a picture of this - I didn't have a digital camera yet, I didn't even know what a blog was.

Since then dogs have shown up at key moments in Thumbsucker's life.



Edinburgh, Scotland: before our screening I come across this seeing-eye dog doing his job. His back is turned to me but I know he knows I'm right behind him. The festival goes better than I could have hoped for.



Just a couple of nights ago we were at the Toronto International Film Festival. The theatre there is huge, something like 1500 or 2000 seats and two balconies. The great thing is that most of the audience seemed to be real people that had nothing to do with the industry. I was pretty nervous with the size of the crowd, showing the film outside the US, that it was Keanu's home town and he was with us. After Tilda, Lou, Kelli, Keanu and I introduce the film we leave to get dinner - and there is this dog at the side of the theatre. His/her owner was waiting to get autographs from one of the actors. I petted him and he licked me.



Just last night in NYC. We have our NY premiere and many of my friends and people I admire are there. I get nervous all over again. During the screening my girlfriend and I went to get dinner, and there on the street, we meet this puppy. Look at how noble and little he/she is!

Coincidence?

Posted at September 14, 2005 10:04 AM