Why not take a break from decking the halls with a trip to the movies. I already have my Black Swan tickets, do you? If psycho-sexual ballet thrillers aren’t up your alley, here are a few suggestions for the week.
New Releases
The Tourist directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, starring Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie and Paul Bettany. Henckel von Donnersmarck (no relation to Bridget von Hammersmark) fresh off the success of the powerful and precise Lives of Others (2006), makes his Hollywood debut with two mega-celebrity leads. From the reviews, Jolie of the smoky eye is icy and glamorous and Depp is greasy and brooding, but both look plumped and paralyzed like house of wax mannequins. For Jolie this film appears to be another in her rapidly growing list of big budget, moderately money-making but ultimately forgettable action flicks, see Salt and Wanted for further reference.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader directed by Michael Apted. Fox studios took over from Disney the third installment in the Narnia series after the box office disappointment of Prince Caspian (2008). They brought on the acclaimed Apted (Coal Miner’s Daughter, The World Is Not Enough) to direct, but from the reviews the Christian allegory has only become more overt and less restrained. Science is once again disproven, dead saviors save, and unbelievers are converted. I also have a heavy aversion to child actors, especially child actors with British accents (see Harry Potter). However, you still get a tiny dose of Tilda Swinton looking fierce as hell, a small token to the gay movie-goers. You know how to throw a bone, Fox.
Currently playing in Seattle
I will have to make a small exception for some films with British child actors, especially ones where they come to physical harm at the hands of a shady entrepreneur, as they do in the classic 1971 Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, presented in smell-o-vision at SIFF Cinema at 7 and 10pm. The success of this olfactory experience comes from the use of pleasant smells, like chocolate and blueberries, rather than unpleasant smells like the grandparents’ bed, or a decapitated chicken or the steaming stench of the oppressed working class.
Gremlins (1984) at Central Cinema at 7 and 9:30pm. I like to think that as an adult I am immune to the crass merchandising tie-ins to Hollywood kids movies, but one look at Gizmo singing along to the Casio keyboard then later driving a Barbie car (by Mattel) sends me into a blind shopping fury. He’s so freaking cute, no one can resist. After a week at Central Cinema, I’m sure Seattle retailers are going to be baffled at the sudden surge in weird toys and novelties from the 1980s. Sales on eBay will sky rocket.
Later this week Central Cinema plays special tribute to Leslie Nielsen with Naked Gun (1988) on Monday December 13 at 7pm. Another classic role for Priscilla Presley, if you ask me. Then it’s the monthly party Slog Happy presented by editors of The Stranger, Thursday December 16 at 5:30, free admission with wrapped gift and a special presentation of He-Man and She-Ra Christmas Specials. Afterwards is the Christmas Pops Sing-Along at 8pm, featuring holiday classics by Nat King Cole, Paul and Linda McCartney, Bing Crosby and David Bowie, Mariah Carey, the Muppets, the cast of Peanuts, PeeWee Herman and more.
Strange Powers: Stephin Merritt and the Magnetic Fields at Northwest Film Forum at 7 and 9pm. One would be hard pressed to find a better documentary subject in the indie-rock world than Stephen Merritt, the openly gay front man for the Magnetic Fields. On one hand a deeply sensitive poet and songwriter and on the other hand an irritable, pugnacious, and disheveled misanthrope. In seeing his live performance the duality is unavoidable – how can an artist who writes and performs so beautifully take so little care in his personal appearance and have such open disdain for his audience? True fans will say it’s a mark of genius – and he certainly has legions of them. Casual listeners will likely still find this documentary a fascinating portrait of an artist.
Last but not least, Three Dollar Bill Cinema presents an Evening with Auntie Mame (1958) at AMC’s Pacific Place, Thursday December 16 at 7:30. As Mame says, “Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving,”and with one line Rosalind Russell gained a lifetime of devoted gay fans. Funds benefit Three Dollar Bill Cinema’s commitment to presenting the best in LGBT film and video.
Ryan Hicks is sponsorship manager for Three Dollar Bill Cinema, a film fan and contributor to Seattle Gay Scene.
