The middle of October always feels a bit unsettling, as if we are rising slowly on the tide of a new wave, and we’ve no idea yet that it isn’t simply a ripple in the water.  True, the weather is getting colder, and winter approaches, but I always have the feeling that something larger is imminent, and I can’t shake that sense of precipitate mystery… Something is coming.  I suppose that this year, that feeling is only heightened by the political climate: some of the prospects of this election are goddamned chilly. 

I, for one, have been newly faced by the prospect of having to decide between the Film Series and the presidential debates. True, the debate only happens once, but when will we have the chance to see these movies projected again? And with all the YouTube specials that are available to us, we can watch an even better version of the debates, after all… minus all the boring parts, right?

Well, it’s certainly a toss-up. There’s nothing quite like suffering through two hours of boring propaganda, hoping that your candidate will just get up and cuff the other guy.  But I certainly think it’s made worse when you know that a movie lasts for about the same amount of time, and is infinitely more pleasurable, if less important to our nation’s future. 

The truth is that this week’s debate is past, but the question lingers for many of us: what can we do to support the candidates? There are avenues to be looked to. You can get involved with the WesVotes movement, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, you can make sure that you and all of your friends are registered to vote, or have requested absentee ballots.

Okay, I’ll get off my soapbox now. But if it’s feeling completely overwhelming, remember that you can always look to the Film Series for a little diversion. This week we’ve got a particularly escapist line-up of classic favorites.

BACK TO THE FUTURE

1985. USA. Dir: Robert Zemeckis. 117 min.

This universal childhood favorite delivers more fun and punch now than we remember: travel back with Marty McFly, and remember why you loved this movie in the first place.

Tonight, Oct. 10, $5

LIFEBOAT

1944. USA. Dir: Alfred Hitchcock. 96 min.

Hitchcock delivers once again: one of his lesser known films, but not for lack of merit. It takes place on a lifeboat in WWII, and chronicles the experience of Americans who’ve been shipwrecked by Nazi forces. All the distrust, paranoia, and suspense that you could want, and much more than you would expect from a bunch of people on a boat. A testament to his filmmaking prowess.

Saturday, Oct. 11, FREE

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY

1966. Italy/Spain/West Germany. Dir: Sergio Leone. 161 min.

You may not have seen this movie, but you’ll recognize the music when you hear it… And if you haven’t seen it, shame on you. One of the best Westerns ever made, and a true delight.

Wednesday, Oct. 15, $5

BANANAS

1971. USA. Dir: Woody Allen. 82 min.

Woody Allen and comic absurdity, south American politics and fickle love, glorious and ridiculous filmmaking.

Thursday, Oct. 16, FREE