A Ride on the Transsiberian

(NEW YORK) "I studied Russian in university for a year and traveled from Russia back to London on a train," said Emily Mortimer, who arrived at the Tribeca Grand Tuesday evening to promote her latest film Transsiberian.  "It took three days and cost 14 euros, but my experience was nothing like my character's!" The Cinema Society and Condé Nast Traveler hosted the screening of the film, which was also attended by actress Kate Mara and director Brad Anderson. 

When a couple takes a trip on the Trans-Siberian railroad from China to Moscow, their journey is derailed by mystery, murder, deceit and eventually, redemption. But this summer, Mortimer will be headed on a far more pleasant vacation. "My mom and dad rent the same house in Tuscany every year, so that's where I'll be," said Mortimer. "We just smoke and drink a lot. After a few days it looks more like a pub, with cigarette buts that never get cleaned up and empty wine bottles strewn by the pool."

Mara, for her part, is adjusting to the New York fashion scene, having been introduced to the overwhelming Costume Institute gala on the arm of Zac Posen, "I had never been before and was kind of intimidated," she said, wearing Posen (of course.) "Zac was the perfect person to go with. We had a blast dancing to oldies music in a ball gown at Philippe and running around Manhattan." Though the workings of the gala are no longer a mystery for the 25-year-old actress, there are a few others she has yet to solve. "Nobody is who they really say they are, everyone has layers and secrets, especially the character I play," she said. "It's kind of scary."  Indeed. The film had the likes of Russell Simmons, Ann and Annabelle Dexter Jones, Eleanor Ylvisaker, Kathryn Neale, and Milena Govich sitting on the edge of their seats.

Afterwards, guests headed to the Yard of the SoHo Grand Hotel for a pan-Asian inspired dinner and 10 Cane drink specials like the "Mystery & Intrigue." (Appropriate, non?) With mini Chinese take-out containers in hand, the crowd mingled outside late into the night. Becca Cason Thrash was exhausted, having just returned from two back-to-back trips to Paris. "Tomorrow I will spend the day ordering room service and watching TV," she confessed, exhausted after her intense couture orders. "This was the first time I bought from four collections!" Wednesday night, she and husband John will be dining with Barack Obama; the couple will be hosting a fundraiser at their home for the Democratic hopeful this fall.
NOLA WEINSTEIN