The Orinda Theatre just keeps upping its game
The Orinda Theatre has stepped up its game and could easily become the focal point for cinema lovers in the Bay Area and beyond. This month offers an embarrassment of riches for every taste – so let’s get started.
First off, we have Derek Zemrak’s excellent series “50 Movies You May Not Have Seen, But Should.” This month he presents “Bernie.” Based on a true story, we learn about Bernie Tiede, a gentle, kindly, small town mortician. Seemingly born without a bitter bone in his body, he is well-liked by just about everyone. His reputation is spotless and no one has a single bad word to say about him. He even goes out of his way to befriend one of the less-popular members of the community and that’s where the trouble begins. Starring Jack Black, playing far against type, Shirley MacLaine and Matthew McConaughey as an overzealous sheriff. This film will have you questioning your ideas of justice and the law. It screens on Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m.
The next feature is part of a new series in which older films get a revival. The Disney Restoration Series showing for February is “Star Wars.” I need hardly say anything about this movie except that this version will be the original release, before George Lucas made alterations, before it became a saga, and before it was retitled “A New Hope.” This is the version most of us saw when it was first released in 1977. It shows twice on Feb. 7 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
During the ‘60s and ‘70s, some movies, after they finished their initial, exclusive run, went “on the road” with all the bells and whistles they had when they first opened. That meant audiences often got overtures, intermissions and exit music.
This is not done much anymore, but these original versions still exist. This month, you will have the opportunity to see “My Fair Lady” the way many did upon its initial release. This is not just going to the theater to see a movie. On Feb. 8, you will be attending an event. It screens at 11 a.m.
Thus far, we’ve been dealing with mainstream, prestige films.
Now we’re going to discuss a movie one might not take all that seriously. “The Last Dragon” can be classified as an acquired taste, or more accurately “cult.” From the trailers alone, you will not really get an accurate overview of what this movie is about, but that’s what makes it fun.
Part martial arts film, part musical, this is a goulash of violence, big hair, outlandish costumes and youthful angst. There’s even a plot in there somewhere. It’s a time capsule of sorts; if your formative years were spent in the ‘80s, this will either be a nostalgic experience, or an embarrassing one. Find out which on Feb. 14 at 9 p.m.
As much as I wanted this column to be as uplifting as possible, there’s no way I can talk about this next film without injecting a little sadness. “When Harry Met Sally” is, and should always be, considered a comedy, but it’s also a wise, thoughtful film that tries, and in many ways succeeds, to unravel the complexities of human relationships.
At any other time, I would make references to “that scene” but I think it’s more important to memorialize its director. There can be no escape from the tragedy that befell the Reiners and I’m not going to even attempt to minimize it. I will, however, encourage you to allow this film to work its magic. There can be no greater tribute. It shows on Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. Admission free.
Next, we turn towards a set of films that are made with such skill that one can get as much joy watching them as much as one would viewing a fine painting in a museum. Calling itself the Cinema Craft Series, this month will feature “Cabaret.”
This film has a permanent place on my Top 10 list. In every way, this is a masterpiece, deserving of every word of praise, not to mention the numerous awards, it has received. One would never guess Bob Fosse was considered a fledgling film director, but he manages to deliver the gravitas of Berlin during the ‘30s as well as stunning musical numbers with his distinctive choreography – making a film that is equal parts exhilarating and chilling. This is one to make time for. It screens on Feb. 22 at 1 p.m.
Next we have “Blonde Venus.” Released in 1932 and starring Marlene Dietrich, this film would make a good companion piece to “Cabaret.” Dietrich plays a woman forced to return to singing in a nightclub in order to save her husband’s life.
This being insufficient, she has to make certain compromises, and finds herself in the arms of another man, played by Cary Grant. This double life leads to extreme complications and she finds herself torn between doing what is necessary or doing what is right. It screens on Feb. 24 at
1 p.m.
Finally, we have the International Film Showcase, this time, dealing with hearth, home and heart. “Calle Malaga” presents us with an 80-year-old woman being evicted from her apartment by her daughter.
Relenting at first to this seeming inevitability, our central character soon schemes ways to return to the home she has lived in for many years. Along the way, she finds love, kindness and community as she tries to reconstruct and redefine her life.
This is a poignant, gently comedic story which demonstrates that determination, and a certain willingness, has no age limit. No showtimes have been announced, so be sure to check out internationalshowcase.org or orindamovies.com for showtimes, trailers and additional information.
So until next time, always make sure to veer towards those wonderful images made from light and sound – for that’s where the reel magic lies.
