Dates may be subject to change, but for now here's what's coming!
Upcoming in 2024:
Note: This is the alternate reality version of the film schedule. For your normally scheduled reality refer to the emails from the group coordinator.
September 23 - Sergei Parajanov's The Color of Pomegranates (Armenia, 1969)
A visually striking exploration of the life and poetry of the Armenian bard Sayat Nova, this film is a lyrical meditation on love, beauty, and cultural heritage, using rich symbolism and a poetic narrative style that transcends traditional storytelling.
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October 7 - Emir Kusturica's Arizona Dream (Serbia, 1993, Director's Cut)
In this whimsical tale, Kusturica crafts a surreal landscape where dreams and reality intertwine. Featuring an eccentric cast and a blend of magical realism, the film explores themes of identity and the absurdity of life, captured with a distinctively playful tone.
October 21 - Alejandro Jodorowsky's The Holy Mountain (Mexico, 1973)
"The scandal of the 1973 Cannes Film Festival, writer/director Alejandro Jodorowsky's flood of sacrilegious imagery and existential symbolism in The Holy Mountain is a spiritual quest for enlightenment pitting illusion against truth. The Alchemist (Jodorowsky) assembles together a group of people from all walks of life to represent the planets in the solar system. The occult adept's intention is to put his recruits through strange mystical rites and divest them of their worldly baggage before embarking on a trip to Lotus Island. There they ascend the Holy Mountain to displace the immortal gods who secretly rule the universe."
A bold and visually arresting work, Jodorowsky's film is a spiritual odyssey that challenges societal norms through a surreal narrative and striking imagery. It delves into the quest for enlightenment and the nature of human existence, combining mysticism with provocative visuals.
Trailer: "Nothing in your education or experience could have prepared you for this film. Alejandro Jodorowsky's The Holy Mountain. The Holy Mountain is a film completely outside the entire tradition of motion picture art. It is outside the tradition of modern theatre. The Holy Mountain is a film outside the tradition of criticism, and review."
November 4 - Béla Tarr & Ágnes Hranitzky's Werckmeister Harmonies (Hungary, 2000)
A slow-paced, contemplative film that reflects on the human condition through a dense, atmospheric narrative. Tarr's use of long takes and black-and-white cinematography immerses viewers in a world on the brink of collapse, emphasizing existential themes and the struggle for meaning. Based on the novel by László Krasznahorkai.
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November 18 - Alex Garland's Annihilation (United States, 2018)
A mind-bending science fiction film that poses profound questions about identity, transformation, and the unknown. With stunning visuals and an unsettling atmosphere, Garland explores themes of self-destruction and the complexity of life through the journey of a team exploring a mysterious zone.
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December 3 - Werner Herzog's Fitzcarraldo (West Germany, 1982)
This epic tale follows a determined dreamer who aims to build an opera house in the Amazon jungle, symbolizing the clash between ambition and nature. Herzog's film captures the sheer will of the human spirit while revealing the complexities of colonialism and exploitation. This film is famously known as a cursed production.
Trailer
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December 17 - Jim Jarmusch's Dead Man (United States, 1995)
A hauntingly beautiful and existential Western, "Dead Man" follows the journey of an outsider in a stark and unforgiving landscape. Jarmusch blends surrealism with poignant commentary on life, death, and spirituality, underpinned by a mesmerizing score and striking black-and-white cinematography.
Trailer
ψυχοπομπός &
December 31 - Andrei Tarkovsky's Solaris (Soviet Union, 1972)
Psychologist Kris Kelvin is sent to a space station orbiting the mysterious ocean-covered planet Solaris. The crew members are experiencing psychological breakdowns related to the unwanted materialization of their innermost memories and regrets. As Dr Kelvin confronts his own repressed feelings and guilt surrounding the death of his wife, he encounters a physical manifestation of her, which forces him to grapple with themes of love, loss, and the nature of reality. The film explores deep philosophical questions about human existence, consciousness, and the limits of understanding, ultimately portraying a haunting journey into the human psyche. Tarkovsky's masterful direction and visual poetry create a meditative experience that lingers long after the film ends. Based on the novel by Stanisław Lem. As a bonus one may also compare Tarkovsky's last film 1979 Stalker which has some similar concepts and like Fitzcarraldo was also a famously cursed production.
Each film in this lineup showcases unique artistic visions and thematic explorations, inviting audiences to reflect on the deeper aspects of life and art.
Under consideration/evaluation/yet to be scheduled:
- White Sun of the Desert (USSR, 1969) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Auj_u7wEyw8 This is an "Eastern" which is a Soviet imperialist "Western" but demeaning their own indigenous populations in Central Asia and Siberia. In this film it is Central Asia after WWI. Russians in "red face", white girls wearing central asian costumes and jewelry. Tradition mandates this film MUST be watched before EVERY cosmonaut flight since Soviet flights leave from Kazakhstan. Russians really like this film. It is interesting and possibly not as racist offensive as everything made by John Ford the only Hollywood everstar to take immense pleasure in donning a white robe as a KKK sociopath for Griffith's Birth of a Nation, the most racist film ever made and which personally inspired Hitler and Kurosawa.
- Past Lives (2023, US and Korea)
- Never Let Me Go (2010, UK)
- Zerograd (1989, USSR)
- Kubrick's Doctor Strangelove (1964, US)
- The Misfits (1961 (not 2021), US)
- Wild Strawberries (1957, Sweden)
- Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943, UK)
- Kakekomi In (2018, Japan). A member has imported a BluRay disc, but it requires a Region 2 (Japan) player, which will have to be found. Very interesting story about a special and ancient Buddhist temple. Some background. Directed by Masato Harada, this film is based on the historical practice of women seeking refuge in a temple, specifically in the context of the 19th-century Edo period. The word "kakekomi" translates to "women who run" or "women who take refuge," referring to those who flee abusive marriages or harsh circumstances and seek shelter in a Buddhist temple. The story centers around a unique temple, where women, tired of oppressive treatment and life circumstances, go to escape their troubled lives. The film showcases the personal struggles of these women as they navigate societal expectations and personal desires. It explores themes of female empowerment, resilience, and the quest for freedom. Visually, the film is noted for its lush cinematography that captures the beauty of the temple and the surrounding nature, enhancing the emotional and spiritual aspects of the story. The narrative weaves together the individual stories of the women as they confront their pasts and make choices that will affect their futures. Kakekomi is both a poignant period drama and a reflection on social issues, resonating with contemporary audiences while drawing from Japan’s rich cultural history.
- Ikiru (1952, Japan). via Stan. Some say Kurosawa's greatest. A dying man contemplates his mortality. "Ikiru" is a classic Japanese film directed by Akira Kurosawa, released in 1952. It is widely regarded as one of Kurosawa's masterpieces and a significant work in the world of cinema. The title "Ikiru" translates to "To Live," and the film is a profound exploration of life, death, and the quest for meaning.
The story follows Kanji Watanabe, played by Takashi Shimura, a middle-aged bureaucrat who has spent most of his life working in a monotonous government office. He discovers that he has terminal cancer, which forces him to confront the stark reality of his own mortality. Faced with the knowledge that he only has a short time to live, Watanabe reflects on his life and realizes that he has spent it largely in a state of inertia, contributing little to society and failing to find personal fulfillment.
Determined to make a meaningful impact before his death, he embarks on a journey to fulfill a simple but profound wish: to create a playground for children in his neighborhood. This quest becomes a transformative experience, allowing him to connect with others and finally find purpose in his life.
"Ikiru" examines profound themes such as the significance of life, the inevitability of death, and the search for purpose. It explores the bureaucratic indifference that often pervades society and the importance of personal agency. Through Watanabe's journey, the film emphasizes the notion that a life can be meaningful, even if it is brief, as long as one finds what is truly worth living for.
The film is known for its poignant storytelling, masterful direction, and powerful performances—particularly by Takashi Shimura in the lead role. Kurosawa's use of cinematography, innovative narrative structure, and character development have left a lasting impact on filmmakers and audiences alike.
"Ikiru" is a timeless contemplation of what it means to live a meaningful life, making it a significant work in not just Japanese cinema but world cinema as a whole. Its influence can be seen in numerous films and inspired countless filmmakers, resonating with anyone who grapples with existential questions about life and legacy.
- Kramer vs. Kramer (1979). Several mentioned. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kramer_vs._Kramer
"Kramer vs. Kramer" is a critically acclaimed American drama film released in 1979, directed by Robert Benton. The film stars Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep, and it is notable for its exploration of divorce, parenting, and the emotional complexities that arise during familial disputes.
The film centers on Ted Kramer (played by Dustin Hoffman), a successful advertising executive in New York City whose life is turned upside down when his wife, Joanna (Meryl Streep), unexpectedly leaves him and their young son, Billy. With Joanna's departure, Ted is forced to navigate single parenthood and take on the responsibilities of raising Billy, who struggles to understand the changes in his family.
As the story unfolds, Ted transforms from a work-focused individual to a devoted father, eventually forming a deep bond with his son. He learns to balance his career with parenting, experiencing the joys and challenges of fatherhood. As Ted becomes more attuned to the needs of Billy, he begins to grow emotionally.
However, the narrative takes a turn when Joanna returns after a year, seeking custody of Billy. This development leads to a contentious custody battle, highlighting the legal and emotional complexities of divorce and parenting. The film raises important questions about gender roles, parental rights, and the impact of separation on children.
- Ordinary People (1980). Several mentioned. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ordinary_People
The story centers around the Jarrett family, who are struggling to cope with the aftermath of a tragic accident that claimed the life of their eldest son, Buck. The film follows the impact of Buck's death on his surviving brother, Conrad Jarrett (played by Timothy Hutton), and their parents, Calvin (Donald Sutherland) and Beth Jarrett (Mary Tyler Moore).
After the tragedy, Conrad battles with severe depression and feelings of guilt, believing he could have done something to prevent his brother's death. He attempts to improve his mental state by attending therapy sessions with Dr. Berger (Judd Hirsch), where he confronts his feelings and learns to navigate his grief.
On the other hand, Beth, who is emotionally distant and struggles to express her feelings, becomes increasingly frustrated with Conrad's struggles and with her husband Calvin, who tries to support their son. The family’s unresolved emotions create tension among them, leading to a deepening rift as they each cope with their grief in different ways.
Film Discussions take place on the given dates at 7:45pm, unless otherwise notified. The class meets on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2272006912 Meeting ID: 227 200 6912
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