Goodbye

Four years ago I was at the Roma Film Festival. We saw “Her” with Phoenix in the house and “Belle & Sebastian” and then came the last film for us, “Snowpiercer”. I didn’t know in advance who the actors were, apart from Tilda Swinton.

We approached the red carpet section before the screening. There were journalists and cameras but not so many.

I glanced around and then I saw – him. Subdued, yet obviously in focus.

Shivers that ran down my spine were unaccounted for. No name was forthcoming. I only knew the eyes and felt a general unease.

Then my eyes went to his chest and it hit me.

I looked at him with a new understanding and felt sorry for the man. No matter how many other films you make, people will keep moving away from you, barely perceptibly. Just in case, lest something bursts out of your chest.

RIP, John Hurt.

Photo: © signature mmm