Video Archives Cinema Club Selects: Week of January 20th (with Roger Avary)
Jan 20, 2025
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Roger Avary, acclaimed filmmaker and co-host of a popular podcast, joins the discussion about the vibrant calendar for the Video Archives Cinema Club. They dive into the quirks of cult classic 'Crime Wave,' exploring its rocky production and artistic flair. The conversation highlights Eddie Brandt's impressive film collection and the underappreciated 'Kiss Before the Mirror' by James Whale. Avary reflects on Michael Crichton’s impactful narratives while sharing personal anecdotes, creating a blend of cinema history and community engagement.
The Video Archives Cinema Club celebrates the new year with a visually festive calendar design that promotes key film showings.
'Crime Wave' reflects a tumultuous production history but is praised for its humor and chaotic spirit akin to classic comedies.
The week's noir double feature, showcasing moral ambiguity and ethical dilemmas, highlights sophisticated storytelling and character development.
Deep dives
Unique Calendar Design
The January calendar at the Video Archive Cinema Club features a distinctive design, choosing white starburst paper sprinkled with multicolored funfetti, representing a fresh start for the new year. This thoughtful choice adds a celebratory and visual appeal that resonates with the theme of new beginnings. The incorporation of funfetti within the calendar is a unique way to bring joy and a sense of festivity to the layout. The manager emphasized how the design not only celebrates the new year but also highlights key film showings effectively, such as the prominent display of a Carpenter double feature.
Showcasing 'Crime Wave'
The calendar includes a screening of 'Crime Wave,' a film directed by Sam Raimi, which is considered a unique entry in his filmography written in collaboration with the Coen brothers. Sharing insights, it is noted that the film had a tumultuous production experience, with its creativity marred by studio interference, leading to dissatisfaction among its creators. Despite its troubled background, 'Crime Wave' showcases an exciting mix of humor and chaos—akin to a live-action cartoon—and captures the spirit of fun reminiscent of classic comedies like 'Ghostbusters.' Those involved recognize its merits, with some critics even viewing it as an underrated gem worth revisiting.
'The Night Visitor' Screening Insights
'The Night Visitor,' featuring Max von Sydow, is scheduled for a screening that promises to showcase its intriguing mystery and gothic horror elements. The film opens with von Sydow's character executing a daring escape from an asylum, creating an air of tension and suspense that fuels the narrative. Its themes of revenge and betrayal play out against a hauntingly bleak Scandinavian backdrop, drawing parallels to cinematic works such as 'Hannibal Lecter.' Audiences are encouraged to engage with the film’s complex character dynamics, as its protagonist manipulates perceptions while seeking revenge.
Double Feature of Noir Classics
The week also features a classic noir double feature, which includes 'Rio' and 'The Kiss Before the Mirror.' 'Rio' presents a tale of moral ambiguity within the crime genre, highlighted by a woman's loyalty to her embezzling husband while being pursued by another man. On the other hand, 'The Kiss Before the Mirror' offers a courtroom drama that challenges the ethics surrounding infidelity and murder. Both films exhibit intricacies in character development and storytelling, showcasing the sophisticated cinematography that defined early noir cinema.
Celebrating Michael Crichton's Works
The cinema club is set to pay tribute to Michael Crichton, showcasing a double feature of 'Looker' and 'Coma,' films that explore themes of manipulation in a male-dominated landscape. 'Looker,' starring Albert Finney, offers a futuristic narrative intertwined with advertising and AI, reflecting social commentary that resonates in today’s discussions on technology. Meanwhile, 'Coma' delves into the sinister undercurrents within the medical field, merging thriller elements with a feminist lens. Together, these films highlight Crichton's foresight as a storyteller, making the tribute a valuable cinematic experience.
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 December 20th. Plus, a special appearance by Roger Avary to discuss the titles this week. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office.
Remember, you can get this episode one day early for FREE (along with our weekly newsletter) over on Patreon.
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