UK Cowboys and Aliens Premiere

[goodgunnerwenger]

On the 11th August, I went to the UK Premiere of Cowboys & Aliens, held at the O2 Arena in London, as part of Empire’s “Big Screen” weekend. Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford star in the sci-fi western and I was determined to get the signature of at least one. Ron Howard and Steven Spielberg were producers but I didn’t hold out much hope of getting their autographs. I e-mailed the staff and was told that it would start at 5:15, so I got there at 2:45 to secure a good spot. Although the crowd was thin, all the front places by the barriers were taken so I stood behind a mother and her six year old child, guessing that the actors would be drawn to her and would be more likely to sign for me. The confusing layout of the premiere didn’t help; half the carpet was outside the building and half was in. The security guards were unhelpful, letting some people outside but not others. I was standing right before the escalators, which the actors would have to take to enter the cinema. Because of the London riots, I had wanted to leave at 6:30 but 5:15 came and went. At 6:30 there was still no sign of the stars. I was extremely irritated-standing for four hours next to a bunch of dealers who were boasting about how much they would get for the autographs. Finally at 6:35 we heard the announcer say that the cars had pulled up and the actors were getting out. At 6:45 I got my first glimpse of Harrison Ford who was talking on the tannoy system about the film. My favourite moment was when the announcer, hired to promote O2, asked Olivia Wilde if she thought the venue, described by a man behind me as a “glorified shopping centre”, was one of her favourites. A long silence was followed by her saying unenthusiastically that it was ‘a dream come true’.

Meanwhile Harrison Ford was getting closer to us, zigzagging across the carpet to sign for everyone. He looked sullen but he smiled when he saw the girl in front of me. I stuck my autograph book in front as about twenty arms leant over me desperate for his signature. He signed my book and a lot of pictures before moving off. Olivia Wilde came down next, autographing only a few items at a time. I hardly know her so my request was half hearted and I wasn’t surprised that she didn’t sign for me. She was followed by director Jon F, who just walked straight down the carpet and didn’t sign at all, disappointing many around me. Apparently Clint Eastwood was there as well although Spielberg and Harris didn’t make an appearance. We were just waiting for Daniel Craig, 007 himself, to appear. He made his way slowly down the barriers, signing and taking a lot of photos with fans. He finally got to us. I stretched out my book….only for his bored, sour faced looking publicist to be told he had to go faster. He said sorry and moved off….only to start signing again a few people down from me! I ran down the barriers and tried again, but I couldn’t get him as he autographed a few more items and climbed onto the escalator. Although it was disappointing not to get him after coming so close, I was delighted to get Harrison Ford, who doesn’t sign TTM. Indiana Jones now takes pride of place in my collection!