So much to see at the Orinda Theatre
There is just so much to write about that I’m asking you to ignore this opening sentence and dive right in.
The ‘70s were a wonderful time when the arts not only flourished but actually took risks. Nowhere is this more evident than in Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Jesus Christ, Superstar.”
Taking something many consider holy and untouchable and turning it into a rock opera takes a lot of nerve, but it paid off to such a degree it was soon turned into an equally revolutionary movie.
On April 3, the Orinda Theatre will be showing this ground-breaking film – and to make the event even more alluring, Ted Neeley, who plays the lead role, will be in attendance. This is being billed as Neeley’s farewell tour, so be sure to be there for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It screens at 7 p.m.
Somewhat less revolutionary, but still very unique, is mixing live action with animation. One can trace the evolution of this particular technique all the way back to the beginnings of the 20th century. As time has passed, moviemakers have labored to improve on it and “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” was a bold step forward. As part of the Disney Restoration Series, The Orinda Theatre presents this film on April 4. It shows twice, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Next we have Derek Zemrak’s 50 Movies You May Not Have Seen That You Should series, this month presenting “The Sapphires.” Taking place in 1968 and based on actual events, we are introduced to four Australian Aboriginals who band together to form a Supremes-like singing group, with an aim to entertain the troops in Vietnam. Along the way, they are met with many triumphs and travails. What sets this one apart is its topicality, as well as the exuberance of the music. It shows on April 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Now, for the more independent type of filmgoer, the Orinda has the rare chance to present the homemade film “Sweet Nothing.” Drag’s the name, Bingo’s the game and always the twain should meet, or at least that’s the goal.
But when you try to mix the two together things don’t always go as smoothly as one might wish. Such is the dilemma of our central character who needs to find a drag queen to host a bingo parlor. Beset with equal measures of self-loathing and rampant egos, “The Birdcage” ain’t got nothing on this movie. As this is the premiere, expect the Orinda to pull out all the stops: Red carpet, searchlights, local celebrities, sequins, high heels, feather boas and much more. All in all, get ready for a fabulous evening. The fun starts on April 9 at 7 p.m.
Los Angeles is where our next film takes place. “Boulevard Nights” is a gritty, no-holds-barred slice-of-life drama about gang life in East L.A. Filled with an authenticity typical of movies of the late ‘70s, we have a front row seat to the violence, honor and even nobility that being part of a gang involves. This is part of the Cult Movie Night series, so be prepared for an unusual night at the movies. It shows April 11 at 9 p.m.
The Widescreen Roadshow selection this month will be “The Shoes of the Fisherman” starring Anthony Quinn. This is one of those high-concept what-if stories about an archbishop taken from a Siberian prison camp and elevated to Pope.
As expected this is a film filled with intrigue, fraught diplomacy and possible dire worldwide consequences with all the grandeur of the Rome as background. Rounding out the cast are Sir Lawrence Olivier and John Gielgud. This showing includes cartoons, newsreels and all the perks that go with the Roadshow Series. April 12 at 11 a.m.
Alfred Hitchcock brings his signature feelings of dread and unease to Free Movie Night with “Dial M for Murder.” Based on the play of the same name, Grace Kelly stars as the woman who finds herself in the middle of a thorny situation surrounded by men who have wildly differing views regarding her fate. This is one not to miss and since it won’t cost you anything, that more than makes up for the amount of stress you’ll be going through watching this film. It screens April 16 at 6:30 p.m.
The Women’s Directors offering this month is “Girlfight.” Our central character is played by Michelle Rodriguez, who had made a career of playing women imbued with a take-no-prisoners attitude. This was her first film, which immediately established her as someone not to be taken lightly.
Recognizing early on in the film she should put her strength to constructive use, she finds herself excelling in the boxing ring. This is not to say she doesn’t show a tender side but, to her, the world around her presents itself as a battlefield. Director Karyn Kusama shows this battlefield with urgency and vitality. It, along with featured short films, shows April 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Of our next film, all I really need to say to get you to go would be Angela Lansbury and Michael York. Just the very prospect of seeing these two monumental talents in one film should be enough, but I’ll elaborate a bit more.
“Something for Everyone” came out in 1970, but a surprisingly few people have ever heard of it – including me (for shame!). This is very much a dark comedy in the English vein, with both leads showing themselves at their best with acclaimed theater director Hal Prince overseeing the chaos. Filled with unexpected plot twists at every turn, this April entry in the Cinema Craft Series is definitely not one to miss. It screens April 26 at 1 p.m.
Matías Bombal is one of the two men responsible for all the wonderful programming that has lit upthe screens at the Orinda Theatre and he doesn’t disappoint here. He will be presenting “The Magnificent Ambersons.”
It’s one of those films with a behind-the-scenes story that is as interesting as what is going on with the movie itself. To say this film had a troubled history would be understating the case but there’s still much to recommend it. To learn more, come see what Bombal has to say about it. It’ll be worth it. The film screens April 28 at 1 p.m.
Lastly, we have the International Film Showcase with “Colours of Time.” Here is a film where the past and present collide, and yet still manage to elude each other.
We are introduced to a group of people who learn they are not only related to each other, but that they’ve also inherited a house, long abandoned, that has fallen into disrepair and is still filled with the original furniture and photographs.
They then try to learn more about the original inhabitants. One member of this party is particularly taken with this mystery and, in a dream, we find him transported back in time to a Paris that inspired so many great artists, Monet in particular. This film is an Impressionist’s dream come true.
The cinematography alone successfully manages to recall that most magical time in Paris’ history. As of this writing, this film has no set date yet, but be sure to check out internationalshowcase.org or orindamovies.com for trailers, dates and information about other events.
So, there you have it. A month of the finest cinematic programming as one could wish for and, as ever, remember to veer towards those wonderful images made of sound and light – for that’s where the reel magic lies.
