July 12th 2016. Pick of the Day.
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Y'know what's great about the NYC rep film circuit? I don't mean the its best quality necessarily, but one of its recent and consistently beauteous attributes? That on a day when the offerings are slight, they still boast 3 classics, perhaps all masterpieces. So while the list at first may seem underwhelming, a closer scan of the fish market's haul will no doubt bring a grin to those educated in seafood. Or film. Dang it, I lost control of the metaphor again. Slippery prey, indeed.
Ongoing series today are confined to that newest gem on the rep circuit, the LES's Metrograph, who boast their ongoing year-long Welcome to Metrograph: A to Z, and the extension of their De Palma trib from last month. The projected profundity be thus;
Film Forum
BLOOD SIMPLE (1984) Dir; Joel Coen
Metrograph
THE LANDLORD (1970) Dir; Hal Ashby
De Palma & His Influences: Double Features
NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959) Dir; Alfred Hitchcock
Today's Pick? I've still got some days left to choose the debut masterwork from the Coen Brothers, and while I love Hal Ashby's CV to death, I can't pass up the premiere event of the evening. Alfred Hitchcock made smart films. He made dumb films. He made airtight puzzle box intricacies. He made mule-stupid fare. He understood the language of the cinema like few other filmmakers in the history of the medium. He was therefore never above following a film he regarded as amongst his finest, one which underperformed with critics and audience, with a work of pure entertainment that bore its sheer preposterous boldly and happily on its lapel. Such, in my opinion, was the case when he followed what I regard as the vastly overrated VERTIGO with one of his silliest, yet wholly fulfilling espionage adventures. In 2011 I advised those film friends of mine who hadn't seen Chris Nolan's INCEPTION on the big screen to do just that, advising that some cinematic ventures are designed for the biggest canvas possible, in order to expedite the outlandish and perhaps ridiculous plot in the service of providing sheer visual stimulation, skipping past the contrived gobbledy-gookery of the story. That advice worked in some cases, didn't in others. I can say the exact same thing about folks I've advised to catch this late masterpiece from Tha Mahstah, imploring them to watch it on a wide canvass. Both Nolan & Hitch's efforts still work on the small big screen, in our living rooms, if you are so propensed, but if you haven't such a proclivity the big screen is your best bet to drink in the big, bold, brash entertainment the great man designed. It's eye candy, it's a popcorn flick, above all it's a vehicle that relies upon the charm of star Cary Grant the same way Starkiller Base relied upon its sun. Cheat yourself of this opportunity and another may never arise, at least not in our fair metropolis. So go on the run with Roger Thornhill, for the first or the hundreth time, just in case it's the last.
Alfred Hitchcock's NORTH BY NORTHWEST unspools in glorious 35mm at the Metrograph tonght, part of an ongoing appreciation of filmmaker Brian De Palma. Look, not my ideal circumstance, but I'll take any opportunity to watch this pop masterpiece on the big screen in 35mm. And in case you're unfamiliar with the flick, order whiskey. Lots of it.
For more info on these and all NYC's rep film screenings in July '16 click on the interactive calendar on the upper right hand side of the page. For reviews of contemporary cinema and my streaming habits (keep it clean!) check out my Letterboxd page. And be sure to follow me on both Facebook, where I provide further info and esoterica on the rep film circuit and star birthdays, and Twitter, where I provide a daily feed for the day's screenings and other blathery. Back soon with new Picks 'n Perks, til then safe, sound, make sure the next knucklehead is too!
P. S. Summer seems to have finally graced our fair metropolis, but milder weather aside some of our fellow NY'ers have still yet to be made whole in the wake of the 2012 storm. Should you be feeling charitable please visit the folks at OccupySandy.net, follow their hammer-in-hand efforts to restore people's lives, and donate/volunteer if you have the inclination and availability. Be a collective mensch, Stockahz!
