By David Poland poland@moviecitynews.com
Shortz Circuit: 'Wordplay' Premieres, Subject Sits Down For Reeler Podcast
As an avowed fan of the film and a sucker for yesterday afternoon’s circulating rumor that Bill Clinton might stop by, I made the trip to Wednesday night’s Wordplay premiere party at IFC Center. In the end, Clinton was a no show, but to hell with him; who needs an ex-president when you have New York Times crossword editor (and Wordplay hero) Will Shortz making the celebrity rounds?
Everyone who was anyone in the puzzle doc joined Shortz under the billowy IFC big top: Tyler Hinman, kicking back vodka tonics in his crossword puzzle necktie; champion solver Ellen Ripstein, looking resplendent in a black ball gown; Trip Payne, who said Wordplay might win the documentary Oscar if it adds the subtitle, “The Long March to Freedom”; and the married directing/producing team of Patrick Creadon and Christine O’Malley, who were excited as they were anxious about their film’s upcoming opening weekend.
I do not think they have much to worry about, especially here in New York and especially with a mascot as beloved as Shortz doing his part to get the, ahem, word out. He even took a few minutes yesterday to speak with me for yet another Reeler podcast, which you can find linked below. This is required listening for anybody who wonder how Shortz himself might do on one of his puzzles or if he has considered seeking a restraining order against Jon Stewart.
Actually, it is required listening for everybody, dammit, just because I say it is:
Will Shortz podcast — June 14, 2006
Oh, and Wordplay opens Friday, June 16, at IFC Center and Lincoln Plaza.