In 1968, Penn alumnus Robert Cort was just an ordinary student, majoring in history and hoping to make a name for himself in a frightening world beyond college. But last night, at the Bridge: Cinema de Lux, his newest film -- entitled Against the Ropes -- made its debut to an audience of Penn students and community members who realized that Cort is anything but ordinary.
Cort is one of the most successful and prolific producers in the motion picture industry and is responsible for the production of many popular movies, including Save the Last Dance and The Hand That Rocks the Cradle.
Inspired by the true story of Jackie Kallen, the most successful female manager in boxing history, Against the Ropes -- starring Meg Ryan and Omar Epps -- was enjoyed by many, and most attendees agreed that it may be next on Cort's list of box office hits.
"I really liked it," College sophomore Gordon Bond said. "It gave a very truthful portrayal of the boxing world and how Ms. Kallen overcame the struggles."
Co-sponsored by the Center for Community Partnerships, the School of Arts and Sciences Film Studies Program and the Center for African Studies, the sold-out East Coast premiere drew a wide range of viewers. University President Judith Rodin and the School of Arts and Sciences Dean Sam Preston both attended and introduced Cort.
"It is wonderful to be at a film preview here at the Bridge," Rodin said. "The only thing missing is the red carpet and the reporting by Joan and Melissa Rivers."
Although the atmosphere was not typical of a Hollywood extravaganza, the spotlight was still directed at Cort as he answered questions and spoke about the motivation for his film after its viewing.
"Jackie [Kallen's] life enabled me to look at three themes that have always interested me," Cort explained. "This film mainly deals with the struggles women have to face in a male-dominated society, the seduction of fame and racial relations."
When asked about his inspiration for getting into the film industry, he spoke of two Penn professors who sparked his interest in learning about the way people behave.
"There is no more complex, powerful aspect of American society than the way races react," Cort said. "This movie reflects my hope that people are able to push through the kinds of issues that divide people."
Cort takes enormous pride in the fact that people of all races can enjoy his films and feel equally represented. He also gave some advice to audience members who want to get into the film industry themselves.
"It has to be intensely personal for you to go through the process," Cort said.
Advice like this was appreciated by attendees like Law student Kay Chien, who said, "I wanted to meet the producer because I'm interested in getting into the entertainment business."
