The Film Series is back! (And with a vengeance.) So, to you and yours: welcome back from your wintry vacations. In case you missed it, we had a fine bill this past week — Dr. Strangelove, Breaking the Waves, Alien, and Get Smart.
Your calendars should have been in your mailboxes about two weeks ago, so if you still haven’t picked yours up and pasted it on the wall above your bed, I take this opportunity to say: shame on you. There’s lots of special events and awesome movies to look forward to this semester, and this quarter is no exception.
In the upcoming weeks, watch out for our series of new documentaries – we’ll be bringing you a new documentary (all fascinating, all excellent) for three Thursdays in a row. To sweeten the deal, we’ve invited along the filmmakers themselves to talk about their films and answer your questions.Ü These docs each depict an interesting personal story, so meeting these filmmakers should be quite a treat.
Also, Dana Delaney and Janet Grillo are coming next week, so be sure to come out for them. The two will be holding a conversation, which should be fascinating for all who love them, love movies, or just love learning about how to make it in the entertainment industry (especially for all the ladies out there. Represent).
Check out the calendar for other highlights, which may include either I Walked with a Zombie or Clueless (or both, if you’re really awesome), depending on your preferences.Ü Stay tuned. Also, just a reminder- if you don’t see the movie that you’re really interested in seeing on the film series, please feel free to send us an email at wesleyanfilmseries@gmail.com or APPLY to be on the film board next year (applications will be available later this spring!)
But in your fervor for what you want to see later this month, or what you wish we had programmed, don’t forget to come out to see this week’s films:
THE ROCK
1996. USA. Dir: Michael Bay. 136 Min.
Michael Bay may not show up on his spaceship of celebrity, but you’re sure to have a good time in this action pic, starring Sean Connery and Nicholas Cage. The phrase “BAYHEM” was coined after this movie to describe Bay’s cinematic style. It’s like Escape from Alcatraz, but directed by Michael Bay. And different.
Tonight, Jan. 30, $5.
ACE IN THE HOLE
1951. USA. Dir: Billy Wilder. 111 Min.
Billy Wilder is generally known as a comic genius whose great film comedy includes some classic favorites, including Bringing Up Baby and Some Like It Hot. Given his reputation, it’s often difficult for our generation to remember that his directing talent was not limited to the comic by any means. This film is not a comedy, though it does have some levity; as such, it serves as proof of Wilder’s versatility. Here he tackles issues of fame, entertainment, and ethics on a symbolic scale, and manages to avoid the pitfalls of ‘funny people trying to be serious.’ Definitely a cool way to spend a snowy Saturday evening.
Saturday, Jan. 31, Free.
EL TOPO
1971. Mexico. Dir: Alejandro Jadorowsky. 125 Min.
Cult Classics return to the Film Series with this Jodorowsky film. Do you remember Holy Mountain? Haven’t you been begging for something more, something new? This movie is mind-blowing. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone here who didn’t desperately (or at least secretly) want his or her mind blown. Here is your chance. I’m not going to try to describe this movie. You really have to go see it to understand.
Wednesday, Feb. 4, $5.
KNIFE IN THE WATER
1963. USA. Dir: Roman Polanski. 94 Min.
This movie plays on the last Thursday before the doc series begins, and what a way to go out. Knife in the Water, while not as strange as El Topo, leans toward the odd in a subtler, more personal way. It’s a very quiet film, but it’s never boring or lacking in suspense. A couple picks up a wanderer when they leave to go sailing for the weekend, and the three begin to explore new desires (violent, sexual, you name it…) when thrown into a closed space together. And besides being awesome, tense and sexy, it’s also Roman Polanski’s first feature. Which is reason enough to come to the movies.
Thursday, Feb. 5. Free.
REMEMBER! ALL SHOWS START AT 8PM SHARP! 8PM 8PM 8PM! In the Goldsmith Family Cinema (where they always are…)