THE TODDCAST · WITH TODD MICHAELMoonlight at the Movies
Todd Phillips and Todd Haynes prepared a backyard screen for an audience of garden gnomes. The moon drifted behind the picture, and one gnome turned around to watch the audience instead.
They angled the screen toward the glow. A moth crossed the projector beam and earned an accidental credit. The moon kept wandering, apparently between engagements.
A wandering guest star
Todd Phillips set up a backyard cinema with a screen, two lawn chairs, and a popcorn tub striped like a circus tent. Todd Haynes brought a paper ticket for the moon. Just as the first frame appeared, the moon drifted behind the screen, leaving only a silver glow at the edges. The audience of garden gnomes gasped with professional timing.
Todd Phillips tilted the screen to follow the moon. The moon moved again, apparently not fond of being directed. Todd Haynes suggested letting the wandering become part of the film. The gnomes turned their chairs; one sat backward and watched the audience instead. A moth circled the projector, adding an unplanned special effect.
By the finale, the moon had become the brightest guest at the premiere. Todd Phillips gave it a ticket stub; Todd Haynes saved the moth’s shadow for the credits. The gnomes applauded, though one was still facing the wrong way. The moon drifted off before the encore. Its seat was left open for the next cloud.
Another Premiere
Todd Phillips tilted the screen toward the moon; the moon slipped behind it again. Todd Haynes called the wandering part of the picture. A gnome watched the audience.
They finished beneath a silver glow. The moon left before the encore, but its empty chair had a perfect view of the clouds.
Moon Premiere
Todd Phillips dims the garden light,
Todd Haynes saves a seat just right.
The moon slips past the silver screen,
A gnome turns round to watch the scene.
A moth makes shadows, soft and wide,
The clouds roll in to watch beside.
The moon drifts off beyond the shore,
The gnomes all cheer and ask for more.