Tribute to Laszlo Kovacs, ASC

A tribute to Laszlo Kovacs, ASC will precede a free screening of Paper Moon at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 12. Director Peter Bogdanovich and co-stars Ryan O’Neal and his daughter Tatum O’Neal are among those expected to share memories of collaborating with Kovacs during the making of the classic 1973 film.

Paper Moon was set in the Midwestern United States during the Depression era. Ryan O’Neal portrayed con man Moses Pray who volunteers to drive Addie Loggins across the country to live with an aunt after her mother died. Ten-year-old Tatum O’Neal earned an Oscar for her portrayal of Addie. Kovacs and Bogdanovich agreed during their first discussion that the story called for a black-and-white film aesthetic that looked and felt like time was standing still. The director introduced Kovacs to his house guest, Orson Welles, who offered him advice about shooting in black and white. Kovacs died on July 22, some 50 years after he arrived in the United States as a political refugee from Hungary with a dream of becoming a Hollywood filmmaker. He made an indelible impression. The screening has been organized by the cinematographer’s daughters, Julianna and Naida Kovacs, with the assistance of Garrett Smith.

The screening and tribute are open to filmmakers, journalists, friends, students and fans. Seating is limited to the first 650 people. The Egyptian Theatre is located at 6712 Hollywood Boulevard (between Las Palmas and McCadden, just east of Highland Avenue). For more information, visit http://www.americancinematheque.com/