Desire Under The Neon
If there’s a common theme to be found in this month’s cinematic offerings, it would be about that magical time when one first falls in love. Below you will read about eight different ways to approach this most wonderful and memorable moment, starting with the next in Derek Zemrak’s “50 Movies You Have Not Seen, but Should” series.
“Sing Street” is an endearing little film about one young man’s attempt to win the affections of the girl of his dreams. Taking place in a poorer section of Dublin, our central character tries to impress this girl by claiming to be in a band. The only problem is that this band does not exist – yet. Filled with the infectious music from the ‘80s, this charming little tale will alternately get your feet tapping and your heart soaring. It shows at the Orinda on June 1 at 6:30 pm.
Next is the Disney Restoration Series and they’ll be presenting the film that started feature-length animation, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Indeed, I’m sure everyone reading this column is already familiar with it, and how it fits in here, but now, you have the opportunity to see this landmark film projected on the big screen. It will show twice on June 6 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Going from the sacred to the profane, we have “Polyester.” Anyone who follows cult movies will recognize the name John Waters. To those who aren’t familiar with his unique brand of filmmaking, this movie might serve as the best way to be introduced to him.
Filled with his usual stable of actors (Divine being the most notable) we are introduced to the Fishpaw family, and there’s not a dysfunction they don’t possess – proudly. Softer than his more adult films (but not by much) you will either be shocked, horrified or delighted, and in keeping with the theme of this column, the object of several characters’ affection is none other than Tab Hunter. It shows on June 13 at 9 p.m.
Going back to the sacred, the Widescreen Roadshow series presents ‘Ben Hur.” This giant of a film does not need someone like me to extoll its virtues, and the love represented here is a holy one.
There is majesty in every frame and, like “Snow White,” should only be shown on the widest, largest screen available. As with all the films shown in this series, there is more on offer, including newsreels, cartoons and an intermission. It screens on June 14 at 11 a.m.
“Grease” is the word. The film version of the hit Broadway show stars John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, both at the height of their careers. Filled with memorable song and dance numbers, the main theme here shows very clearly how opposites attract. It was also responsible for the ‘50s revival that swept the nation. It shows on June 18 at 6:30 p.m. Admission free.
The Certain Woman film series shows not only familial love, but presents it in a truly unique fashion. Many might think “Kajillionaire” is less a movie, in the traditional sense, and more a slice-of-life dramedy about a family living on the edge, not just on the outskirts of society but of life overall.
We follow a father, mother and daughter in their far-from-ordinary lives as they barely eke out an existence committing petty crimes, swindling when they can and escaping when they must.
Director Miranda July clearly has her own vision of what a movie should be, making this a challenge for the more traditionally minded, but it’s a breath of fresh air for those who welcome new voices and means of telling a story. If this is the future of cinema, I welcome the experimentation, and so should everyone else. It shows on June 25 at 7:30 p.m.
This next film is something I could take up an entire column raving about. It is also the very distillation of this month’s theme. It’s also one of the few times the Cinema Craft series presents a foreign film. “La Belle et la Bête” directed by Jean Cocteau is one of the most dreamlike and lyrical films ever made.
Quite frankly, this is one of those films where anyone who even thinks about remaking it should have their movie credentials revoked – and this includes the Disney studios, which borrowed heavily from this film.
Fully aware that this might be a test of patience for the younger set, it should still be required viewing, if for no other reason than to teach them what makes a great film. Had I the power to do so, I would drag each and every one of you to the Orinda June 28 at 1 p.m. You would thank me for it.
Lastly, we have one of the greatest comedies of all time: “Some Like It Hot” starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. Two itinerant musicians happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and they spend the rest of the movie trying to avoid being murdered.
Most of you already know how they manage to do that, but even so, one can never get tired of seeing Lemmon and Curtis looking moderately lovely. Of course, what they lack in beauty is more than made up for whenever Marilyn is on the screen.
Billy Wilder caught lightning in a bottle with this movie, right up to the end with two memorable words that will live in infamy. We have Matías Bombal to thank for this month’s contribution and, on June 30 at 1 p.m., you’ll have the opportunity to do so personally.
So June is a pretty eventful month. Though I know you can’t see all of these films, I still urge you to veer towards those wonderful images made from sound and light, for that’s where the reel magic lies.
