An American Odyssey

a film by Michael Kontomanolis II

This is my grandfather...

Michael Kontomanolis I. For 50 years he worked as a restroom attendant at the Waldorf Astoria. From 1961-2008 he handed a napkin to every major celebrity, politician, and debutante in the world.

His story is written in the black marble columns of the Waldorf, where he spent most of his days - a poor immigrant surrounded by the most lavish guests who came to New York City.

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While his journey was an unexpected one, his story is not unlike many immigrants at the time - working long, grueling hours so that their children could have opportunities they never did.

that's me

And the woman in these photos is my grandmother. She worked in the same hotel.

The notion that the American Dream is rags to riches is decidedly false. It’s devoting your life to hard work and casting aside any dreams you might have so that the next generation could have a better chance.

My grandfather spent most of his life in a bathroom scrubbing toilets so that I could have the opportunity to tell this story. His story.

It is the honor of a lifetime.

My grandparents, 50 years later

Synopsis

Set in 1960’s New York, An American Odyssey follows Michael - a scrawny young Greek immigrant in New York City. When his mother dies, Michael finds himself alone, a stranger in a strange land. A chance encounter gets him into the glittering halls of The Waldorf Astoria, serving as a restroom attendant to New York’s high society. Within the walls of this hotel Michael will grow into his own, fall in love, and befriend some of the world’s most prominent historical figures as he learns the American way through the lens of the most privileged.

New York, 1961

Manhattan, NY

New York City Skyline, 1960

The Hotel

"The Icon of Luxury"

The Waldorf Golden Age

1950s - 1960s

From Frank Sinatra to Ella Fitzgerald, celebrities flocked to New York’s unofficial palace. The Waldorf Astoria hosted legendary events like Prince Rainier III of Monaco and Grace Kelly’s engagement party, President John F. Kennedy’s birthday gala, the April in Paris Ball, and special addresses by Queen Elizabeth II. Both Cole Porter and Frank Sinatra made the Waldorf Astoria their home, and every U.S. president from Herbert Hoover to Barack Obama has slept in the presidential suite.

Marilyn Monroe & Arthur Miller, Paris Ball 1957

The Original Waldorf

Jackie & John F. Kennedy at the Waldorf

Queen Elizabeth speaking at the Waldorf

"You'll come across a number of Hollywood elite, politicians, and the like. When you do, smile and act like you belong."

The Waldorf Restroom

"A thing of porcelain beauty."

My most recent short film Blindspot takes place entirely in one room. I have always been attracted to these types of films (12 Angry Men, Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe, Reservoir Dogs).

Since so much of the film is in the men's restroom, the intention behind the camera in every scene will parallel Michael's circumstances. As the story unfolds the cameras perspective follows our heroes emotions. At times starting high and confident and ending low, a visual way to capture our heroes insecurities and claustrophobia. As he grows throughout the film the camera will mimic his movements. When he is faster, more confident, we will keep up with his pace.

Visual Language

In the early moments of the film we see the Waldorf through Michael's POV. As it progresses we will see more of him with the guests, being included, as he becomes an American before our eyes. Blocking will be crucial here, as the distance between him and his patrons will dissipate over time.

Coloring

Warm

Saturated

Soft Light

The colors will mimic our characters view in the world. From his destitute beginnings as an immigrant thrust into the harsh realities of living in a basement, to working and falling in love at the Waldorf.

Colors start dull as we begin in grungy Astoria, Queens.

They begin to pop as the story moves into the hotel.

When Michael falls in love the colors become brighter, more vibrant.

Emptiness

Much of the film takes place during the quiet moments of the hotel. When all are asleep. As such, the emptiness of the shots will play an important role. Specifically the way that emptiness is filled, and how in that vacancy a love story is told.

Characters

Michael in his apartment

Michael & Cally

Attached Cast

Logic (as Frank Sinatra)

Tony Revolori (as Michael)

Eamon

Mr. Richardson

Patricia

Mr. Kane

Elester

Music

Soundtrack to the script

The End