May
26 Polanski Today

Roman Polanski is back in Paris today, having flown home after making Sunday night's surprise presentation in Cannes to Grand Prix director, Italy's Matteo Garrone. He had originally declined appearing at the festival because "Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired," by Marina Zenovich was to screen there. He, of course knew the press would be all over him-- he felt it was her place to discuss it. The film bows on HBO on June 8 before going out in theatrical release. But, he agreed to present Garrone's award and was back home today and having dinner with his two children. Wife Emmanuelle is in Italy working on a film. We had visited with Roman and his family in that Paris apartment.
I had originally called Roman last Friday following the screening celebrating the 40th anniversary of his film, "Rosemary's Baby" as part of the Academy's program toasting Robert Evans, who had brought Polanski to write and direct his first film in Hollywood at the Evans-led Paramount. Variety's review on May 29, 1968, noted: "Polanski has triumphed in his first U.S.-made pic...Paramount has a hot B.O.  item which should open big, hold up and remain sturdy throughout lengthy runs." It did. It also won countless critical praises. The screening at the Academy last week received prolonged applause and proved again what a magnificent film it remains. The review also noted, "Mia Farrow becomes a genuine, above-the-title star." A very modest Polanski appreciated the report I gave him on the screening. "I can't believe it!" he exclaimed. "I can't believe its 40 years and we're still here! It all goes too fast." (He is 74). Polanski was also happy to hear my report on the exuberance of Evans who shows no signs of the severe stroke he suffered 10 years ago and talked about doing a film with Brett Ratner.
Among those in the Academy audience viewing "Rosemary's Baby" was Hawk Koch who, when very young, was an assistant on Polanski’s film at Paramount where his father, Howard W. Koch had been a producer and the studio's production chief. Hawk appears in "Roman Polanski: Wanted And Desired" retelling a story also told me personally by his (late) father. Howard W., a member of Hillcrest Country Club was in the club's men's room when a member asked (fellow member) Judge Laurence Rittenband what he was going to do about Polanski who was coming up for sentencing the following day. Rittenband said, "I'm gong to put that ------ --- -- - ------ away for good." (Polanski had already served 42 days at Chino for a "psychological evaluation" in a sham agreement concocted by Rittenband. Koch immediately called Polanski’s lawyer Douglas Dalton to relate what he heard in the men's room and advised, "He (Roman) better get out of the country and tonight!"  He did and the rest is, of course history as shown in the excellent film which leaves no doubt about the state of our legal system. I gave Polanski my thoughts on the content of Zenovich's docu. He was appreciative and pleasantly told me, “I am going to see it. She (Zenvichi) is very nice and has asked me to see it. I will." Meanwhile, he enthusiastically told me he is busy preparing to film Robert Harris' political thriller, "Ghost."