Video Archives Cinema Club Selects: Week of November 11th
Nov 11, 2024
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Dive into the world of classic cinema with a spotlight on Orson Welles' 'The Stranger' and its gritty noir elements. Discover the emotional journey of 'Late Spring,' exploring a young woman's struggles in post-war Japan. Experience the joy of community watching films like 'Sullivan's Travels' and the cultural richness of silent films such as 'The Mark of Zorro.' Enjoy delicious coffee from Pam's while celebrating the magic of shared cinematic moments in a cozy theater setting. Get ready for engaging screenings that bring film lovers together!
Orson Welles' The Stranger skillfully combines his dual roles as director and actor to deliver a poignant commentary on identity and war atrocities.
Yasujiro Ozu's Late Spring reflects post-war Japan's cultural expectations through a delicate father-daughter relationship, highlighting women's struggles for independence.
Deep dives
Orson Welles' The Stranger: A Film Noir Masterpiece
The Stranger is a notable film directed and starred by Orson Welles, highlighting his dual talents in front of and behind the camera. The film focuses on a Nazi fugitive, played by Welles, who has successfully concealed his identity in small-town America, only to be hunted down by an agent portrayed by Edward G. Robinson. This film was groundbreaking for its time as it incorporated documentary footage of the Holocaust, providing a poignant commentary on the recent wartime atrocities. Despite being considered less prestigious by Welles himself, it achieved box office success and secured an Oscar nomination for its exceptional screenplay, further cementing its legacy in film noir history.
20th Century: A Unique Comedy Experience
20th Century is a whimsical film directed by Howard Hawks, starring John Barrymore as a down-and-out Broadway producer seeking to revive his career through a Hollywood diva played by Carol Lombard. Set predominantly on a train, this film offers a distinctive backdrop that enhances its comedic elements, reminiscent of the slapstick genre that flourished during that era. With music re-used from Frank Capra's It Happened One Night, it plays on the dynamics of Hollywood and theater, delivering humor while reflecting the time's cultural nuances. The cinema's commitment to showcasing films from the 30s, like this one, allows audiences to rediscover and appreciate the storytelling and entertainment values of classic cinema.
Late Spring: A Cultural Reflection on Post-War Japan
Late Spring, directed by Yasujiro Ozu, presents a sensitive portrayal of the conflicts faced by women in post-war Japan, particularly through the lens of a father-daughter relationship. The narrative centers on a widowed father and his 27-year-old daughter, who resists societal pressures to marry, valuing her independence instead. This film encapsulates the transitional period in Japan as it grapples with the tension between individual desires and cultural expectations regarding family and marriage. By including more Japanese cinema selections, the cinema club enriches the audience's experience, inviting deeper reflections on film as a medium for cultural discourse.
Welcome to Video Archives Cinema Club Selects. Hidden within The Vista Hollywood is an intimate 20 seat theater known as the Video Archives Cinema Club. Join reporter on the beat Gala Avary and Video Archives Cinema Club manager Matt Landsman as they walk you through the calendar for the week of November 11th. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office.