Thanks to word that Minneapolis based distributor Apparition is going to distribute the Australian neo-noir The Square here in North America I finally found an excuse to watch director Nash Edgerton’s short film Spider. I had heard good things about The Square, and I figured that his short might help give me an idea of what type of filmmaker Edgerton is.
Well, if The Square has as much malicious glee as Spider I could be in for a real treat.
Jack and Jill are always hurting each others feelings. But like Mum said, Its all fun and games until someone loses an eye.
The Heights Theatre along with Take-Up Productions is proudly presenting the British noir classic Peeping Tom from famed director Michael Powell. The film is now known for killing Powell’s illustrious career due to its graphic and disturbing images of a serial killer who films his victims as he kills them. The film was so reviled by critics, that Alfred Hitchcock decided not to screen Psycho for them because he was so worried his film would receive the same treatment and kill any chances it would have to find box office success.
Some time ago I reviewed this now legendary film, and while I found it fascinating, the film is harmed by the fact that nearly every thriller has blatantly cribbed from this rather impressive source material, neutering the film to some degree compared to its modern counterparts, yet the film still is unquestionably a must see film for those who appreciate thrillers. Tickets are just $8 and there will only be one showing this upcoming Monday so make sure to make the time to see this fascinating film.
Peeping Tom
The Heights Theatre
January 25th
7:30 pm | $8
I don’t have a clue what is being said in this teaser trailer, but it looks fantastic. What I do know is that it is a neo-noir film from the Czech Republic that is set in Austria-Hungary, most likely in the 1920’s. But for all I know it could just be an alternate reality as well, hopefully more information comes out sooner rather then later.
Acclaimed director Michel Ocelot’s (“Kirikou and the Sorceress”) newest film “Azur & Asmar” rolls into the Lagoon Cinema for a week-long run. White-skinned Azur and dark-skinned Asmar are raised as brothers by Asmar’s loving mother. But when they are separated by Azur’s father, the two embark on a journey to free the beautiful Djinn Fairy that will reunite them as rivals and friends. Featuring stunning animation and powerful storytelling, “Azur & Asmar” is a magical new tale in the vein of the Arabian Nights.
The Oscar-Nominated Shorts
Starts Feb. 20 Lagoon Cinema
Want to get a leg up on those Oscar bets? Check out the races for Best Animated Short and Best Live Action Short at the Lagoon Theater just days before the big night. The live action program includes nominees New Boy (Ireland), Auf Der Strecke (On the Line) (Germany/Switzerland), Spielzeugland (Toyland) (Germany), Grisen (The Pig) (Denmark), and Manon Sur Le Bitume (Manon on the Asphalt) (France). The animated program includes Lavatory – Lovestory (Russia), Oktapodi (France), Le Maison en Petits Cubes (Pieces of Love, Vol. 1) (Japan), This Way Up (UK) and Pixar’s Presto. The animated program also includes a showcase of highly acclaimed recent shorts, including Bill Plympton’s Hot Dog.
Uptown’s Midnight Madness continues with a little help from some heroes in a half-shell. Everyone’s favorite bunch of ninja-fighting reptiles struggle to save New York City from the evil Shredder and his Foot Clan. Along the way, they’ll befriend an intrepid reporter, a hockey mask-wearing vigilante and eat plenty of pizza. But the Turtles don’t have to be the only ones stuffing their faces. You can get a slice or two of your own, courtesy of Pizza Lucé. Farewell Continental will perform before the screening of the new 35mm print. Cowabunga!
Universal Noir: Criss Cross & The Killers
Monday, Feb. 23 at 7:15 p.m. Heights Theater
Take Up Productions’ new series Universal Noir continues with a Burt Lancaster double feature. First up at 7:15 p.m. is Robert Siodmak’s 1949 thriller Criss Cross, with Lancaster and Yvonne de Carlo. In an effort to reunite with his ex-wife, Steve Thompson returns to Los Angeles. But his wife now belongs to the L.A. underworld, and it’s up to Steve to rescue her. The night continues at 9:15 p.m. with a screening of Ernest Hemingway’s The Killers. Co-starring Ava Gardner, The Killers tells the story of an insurance investigator looking into the death of a gas station attendant. As he delves deeper into the man’s life, he finds a complex web that connects with a mysterious woman. Tickets are $8 for the double feature and can be purchased in advance at www.heightstheater.com.
This Academy Award-nominated French hit makes its Twin Cities debut this weekend at the Uptown Theater. Actor/writer François Bégaudeau draws on his own experiences to craft the story of a new year in a tough Parisian high school. The difficult students are a challenge for any teacher, but François is determined to do the best job he can. His own attitude surprises the students, but that doesn’t stop them from challenging him. Directed by Laurent Cantet, The Class won the Palme d’Or at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival.
WERE THE WORLD MINE
Starts Friday, Feb. 13 Lagoon Theater
Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream inspires this whimsical musical comedy that proves the course of true love never did run smooth. After being cast as Puck in the school play, unhappy gay teen Timothy discovers a secret recipe for the play’s magical love potion. With his new-armed magic, Timothy turns his town on its head by making them see the world through his eyes – starting with the guy of his dreams. Directed by Tom Gustafson, Were the World Mine plays at the Lagoon Theater for one week only.
BOYZ IN THE HOOD
Saturday, Feb. 14 at midnight Uptown Theater
John Singleton’s landmark 1991 debut roars onto the big screen as part of Midnight Madness at the Uptown Theater. Cuba Gooding, Jr., Angela Basset, Laurence Fishburne, and Ice Cube star in the saga of life in the Los Angeles ghettos. Three friends grow up in the hood amidst violence and crime. While some resist it in hopes of an education or the knowledge of what is right, the dark side of the neighborhood proves too powerful for others.
UNIVERSAL NOIR: THIS GUN FOR HIRE
Monday, Feb. 16 7:30 p.m. Heights Theater
Take Up Productions and the Heights Theater presents Universal Noir, a five-week series celebrating classic noir from the 1940s. All seven films are 35mm prints from the Universal Studios archives. The series kicks off February 16 with a screening of This Gun for Hire starring Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake. Hit man Philip Raven is on a mission for revenge after being paid off in “hot money.” While on the case, he meets beautiful entertainer Ellen Graham, who’s been hired to investigate the same man Raven is after. As they begin to track the same man, a shaky alliance is formed. All tickets are $8, and can be purchased in advance at HeightsTheater.com.
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