At first glance my watching Cutthroat Island might seem a bit out of place with the purported purpose of this website. My goal was to watch lesser known films, specifically films I knew nothing about going into them, in the hopes of finding the occasional gem as well as simply taking a few risks when compared to my standard movie watching habits. I’m as guilty of being selective as anyone else and this seemed like a fun way to test the cinematic waters. And, well, watching one of the biggest financial flops in film history certainly has its own brand of appeal. How often do you get to watch a movie that killed an entire genre of film?
The pirate film, as most probably know, had a long, rich and financially successful relationship with Hollywood since Hollywood’s inception. They would have been considered the “blockbuster” films of their day, at least in comparison to modern day films. Big stars, big sets, bigger production budgets and big, big profits. While over time the popularity of pirate films, and the assured giant box office takes, fluctuated within Hollywood, their were few genres considered as sure as a thing as the pirate film.
By the time Cutthroat Island was being made the pirate film’s greatest glories had long since passed. While they were still being produced with regularity, they hadn’t dominated at the box office in years. So, as production began on Cutthroat Island, word soon began to spread that it would mark a return to Hollywood’s Golden Age, a time when people of all ages could lose themselves in the wonder of the movies. Cutthroat Island, it was promised, would mark the first step of many to a new Hollywood Golden Age.
Even years later I still remember being inundated with the marketing push for Cutthroat Island. TV spots were everywhere, and I specifically remember all the television tabloids like Inside Edition and Access Hollywood offering numerous “exclusive” behind-the-scenes looks at the film. Geena Davis, whose star had steadily risen for years, was being pushed as the next Hollywood superstar, an actress who could excel in both dramatic and action roles. Her husband, and Cutthroat Island’s director, Renny Harlin, was being touted with equal fervor. As the next “it” action director. The press simply couldn’t get enough of this husband and wife duo battling to resurrect a cherished but slightly forgotten genre. Cutthroat Island quickly became a looming juggernaut. A Christmas film that simply could not fail. Would not fail. That is, until it failed. Rather spectacularly as it turns out.
I’ve been a bit behind in listing all the various events that have been playing around town the past few weeks, and in an effort to give me less work to do I’m just going to throw several of the upcoming film events into one single post. If this format works I might do it on a regular basis, or maybe I won’t. It’s my site, I’ll be as fickle as I want.
Uptown Midnight Movies
In a slight twist The Uptown is going to start showing midnight movies on Friday and Saturday, and it also looks like The Rocky Horror Picture Show will be returning to the Uptown. From what little I know they will be showing it once a month, complete with all the accoutremants that are to be expected with a live Rocky Horror screening.
The US debut of the anime film Eureka Seven is having a one night only screening on Thursday, September 4th. It will be simultaneously screening at several sites in the Twin Cities, and besides the film they will be showing some interviews and behind the scenes footage. Tickets are now on sale at the following theatres:
Eagan 16
AMC Eden Prairie 18
AMC Arbor Lakes Megastar 16
Kerasotes Block E 15
Brooklyn Center 20
Oakdale Cinema
AMC Rosedale 14
Now See Hear film series
The Oak Street Cinema starts up its new monthly film series on September 2nd. The goal of the series is to focus on underground, experimental and obscure cinema and will take place on the first Wednesday of every month. For the inaugural event The Ex-Lovers will be on hand to provide for a pre-show music set, and then the evening will focus on New York filmmaker City Harvest Black. Tickets are just $8.
Autumn Music & Movies
Presented by Vita.mn, Autumn Music & Movies will be held at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. All shows are free. Music will start at 5:30 pm and the films will start at dusk.
Thanks to Take Up Productions, this fall The Heights Theatre will be hosting a series devoted to the films of Audrey Hepburn. All screenings start at 7:30 and will be $8. Or you may purchase five admissions for $25.
At first glance my watching Cutthroat Island might seem a bit out of place with the purported purpose of this website. My goal was to watch lesser known films, specifically films I knew nothing about going into them, in the hopes of finding the occasional gem as well as simply taking a few risks when compared to my standard movie watching habits. I’m as guilty of being selective as anyone else and this seemed like a fun way to test the cinematic waters. And, well, watching one of the biggest financial flops in film history certainly has its own brand of appeal. How often do you get to watch a movie that killed an entire genre of film?
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