Donald Sutherland Tribute at American Cinematheque’s Aero Theater:

It was all things Donald Sutherland at American Cinematheque’s Aero Theater in Santa Monica last Friday night at a preview screening of Director Joe Wright’s version of Pride and Prejudice. The sold out screening was preceded by clips of Sutherland in some of his classic film roles over the years.  Sutherland plays the father of the brood in Wright’s fast-paced reprise of the Jane Austen classic. This latest Pride and Prejudice was shot entirely on location in England and is a visual and audio period piece extravaganza likely to garner a number of Academy Award nominations.  (It was a nice sequel to the hilarious “Bollywood” parody Bride and Prejudice that screened at the Aero earlier this year.) Sutherland mingled with the Aero crowd at pre-screening reception (catered by Wild Oats Market)  and took part in a Q&A session after the movie, during which he touched on many aspects of his remarkable career.  His favorite character?  Sutherland said he felt equally challenged by all roles and is currently consumed by the character he plays on the TV series, Commander in Chief.  Asked about entertainers taking high profile roles in politics, Sutherland’s advice to his peers was curt: “Give money.”   He noted that entertainers’ best efforts often result in ridicule rather than shifts in public opinion – with two notable  exceptions — Ronald Reagan and Bono of U2. Additional Sutherland screenings at the Aero included Kelly’s Heroes on Saturday and MASH on Sunday, with Klute on tap tonight, and Don’t Look Now on Thursday.This weekend, the Aero will launch a four-film tribute to the late director Stanley Kubrick.