As an actor yourself, you might be jaded by celebrity but there’s something gorgeous about an iconic movie by a celebrity filmmaker, an actor who’s dabbling in another medium, and yes, an Oscar- and Tony-winning actress in a cable TV movie. This week’s slate of goodies has all of the above and more, so go forth and be inspired!
Snag a copy of David Duchovny’s latest novel.
Many actors cross over into different areas of entertainment, whether it’s singing, dancing, or writing. David Duchovny, who, ironically, played tortured novelist Hanky Moody in “Californication,” debuts his latest fiction book, “Miss Subways” at the Grove’s Barnes and Noble on May 4. Duchovny himself will be on hand to chat about the story, sign copies, and maybe even answer a question or two about just how he seems to do it all. (Free; book must be purchased day-of)
Catch a midnight viewing of a Hitchcock classic.
The historic Vista Theater may be screening “The Avengers” right now but for the true cinephiles out there (or actors looking to check another iconic film off their bucket lists), it’s also screening Hitchcock’s classic thriller “The 39 Steps” on May 4. A major staple of Hitchcock’s canon, this is a can’t-miss, edge-of-your-seat suspense flick that more than ably competes with anything modern Hollywood has released in the past few decades. (Tickets: $11)
Get a glimpse of Old Hollywood through a new lens.
See Hollywood icons through the lens of Henri Dauman, a photographer who had unprecedented access to superstars like Brigitte Bardot, Marilyn Monroe, Jane Fonda, Elvis Presley, and even Jackie Kennedy. During his hand-selected retrospective (on now through May 12 at K.P. Projects’ La Brea), “Looking Up,” you’ll be able to see the personal side of these timeless figures and more. (Free)
Hear from Catherine Zeta-Jones ahead of her new TV movie.
Catherine Zeta-Jones is starring in a Lifetime movie! If that seems like a thing of fantasy, it’s more likely that this project, “Cocaine Godmother: The Griselda Blanco Story,” was just too good for her to turn down. Judging by Blanco’s life as a major player in Miami’s cocaine trade before paying the ultimate price for her trade, it’s definitely a role worthy of some star power. Dig deeper into the story with Zeta-Jones herself at SAG on May 7—she’ll be on hand for a screening of the film and Q&A to follow. (Free)
Check out Backstage’s Los Angeles audition listings!