New Kirk Douglas film has ties to Napa

By L. PIERCE CARSON, Register Staff Writer

Prior to national release in commercial theaters, a new film starring Kirk Douglas — as well as numerous area residents and the Napa Valley landscape — will get its wine country premiere at Copia on Friday night at 8.

Loosely based on a 17th century French comedy, “Illusion” serves as a thematic homage to films like “It’s A Wonderful Life,” according to writer, director and co-star Michael Goorjian. Television viewers might recall Goorjian as Neve Campbell’s boyfriend on the popular series, “Party of Five.”

Several Upvalley locations were used in scenes of the independently produced film, including Napa Valley Olive Oil Company in St. Helena, Calistoga’s main thoroughfare and Doug’s Auto Repair, plus Gordon’s Cafe and Pancha’s Bar in Yountville. Featured in roles in the film are local residents Leonora Particelli, Dante Particelli, John Sorenson, Ken Gaudet and Calistoga Police Chief Mike Dick.

According to the director of “Illusion,” the story centers on a legendary film director who’s shown three visions of the life of the son he never knew. “As he lies dying, he is given one last chance to affect his son’s life,” Goorjian noted.

Legendary film director Donald Baines (played by Douglas) lies dying alone in his private screening room, watching the films he has devoted his life to creating. Having isolated himself from family and friends, he now regrets many personal sacrifices. The rejection of his illegitimate child, Christopher (Goorjian), brings him the most pain, having seen him only once 30 years ago.

Late one night, Donald is awakened by the ghostly image of Stan (portrayed by Ron Marasco), a favorite editor who has been dead more than 35 years. Suddenly Donald finds his deathbed transported to an old movie house. Stan informs Donald that he has come to help and that he will show him three films — three visions — each vision representing a different period of Christopher’s life.

The first vision brings Donald into the teenage life of Christopher who is in the throes of his first blush with love. A rebel and a romantic, Christopher proclaims his love for a girl he has only seen from afar and chances it all for an opportunity to spend some time with her. A nagging voice, which sounds like the father he never knew, echoes in his head telling him he is not worthy.

A wild romp marks the second vision of the twenty-something life of Christopher as he tries to escape an artistic maelstrom and finds himself face to face with the love he had for a brief moment and lost from the first vision. His life takes a brutal twist as he is yet again torn from his love.

The last vision Donald sees is the return of Christopher now as a mature man, wearied from the difficult curveballs life has thrown him. Again looking for love, this is his last chance and perhaps his only chance to rid himself of what he imagines to be his father’s haunting disapproval.

Goorjian says that the director “is also given an opportunity to make a difference … but after such a long time can he take the leap or was it all just an Illusion?”

Screened at several film festivals around the country, “Illusion” has taken home several awards, including:

• The Screenwriting Award at the 12th annual Hamptons International Film Festival.

• The Audience Award at the 8th annual Sonoma Valley Film Festival.

• The Audience Award and the Best Feature Award at the 1st Inspiration Film Festival.

• The Audience Award and Best Feature Award at the Spiritual Cinema Festival-at-Sea.

“Illusion” is slated for commercial release this spring.

Tickets for the 8 p.m. Copia screening are $6, with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. A question-and-answer session with director/co-star Goorjian follows the screening.

Filmgoers can start off Friday evenings with a prix fixe dinner and glass of wine at Julia’s Kitchen for $24. For dinner reservations, call 265-5700.

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