Los Angeles is a film town -- maybe the film town. Like the Hollywood district contained within it, the name "Los Angeles" a metonym for American film industry in the minds of many. "La La Land," "The Entertainment Capital of the World" and all that. I love movies; however, in my mind, the Hollywood film thing actually ranks pretty low in the long list of what makes Los Angeles the greatest city in the world. This is possibly (probably) shocking to hear/read if you're a cog in the blockbuster factory or a celebrity worshipper but better you find that out now than never. Luckily, Los Angeles doesn't just make movies, it also shows them. There are few cities in the world with as robust a film culture as Los Angeles.
For those who love celebrity-driven, gazillion dollar CGI superhero franchises you're in luck; there are multiplexes in every mall and Redboxes at every 7-11. Thankfully for other varieties of cinéastes, there's a lot more to Los Angeles’s mise en scène than that. There are architecturally beautiful picture palaces, romantic drive-ins, dingy dollar theaters, high profile revival houses, low profile smut houses, and actual art house chains. Additionally there are all sorts of special screenings and festivals that take place every week of the year.
The Mrs. and I were fortunate enough to catch three of last week's showings, including the fantastic Saturday night tear jerker Chicago Calling. Unfortunately we'll be gone for the final week of the festival. Hopefully some of you will make it out as there are some stellar pictures being offered!
Thursday brings a pair of lesser knowns in Undercover Man and So Dark The Night. So Dark has quite a cult following and could prove to be a goodie.
scientific discussion, and behind-the-scenes curatorial tours as part of the First Fridays program. Amoeba is excited to sponsor this fabulous series of live music, discussion, concessions, tours, DJs, and more.
Friday promises much in the double feature Street Of Chance and Night Has A Thousand Eyes, both based on Cornell Woolrich novels and boasting casts featuring Clare
This Friday, April 5th, kicks off the 15th Annual Festival Of Film Noir at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. Things get moving fast with a Cy Enfield double, Try And Get Me (aka The Sound Of Fury) and Hell Drivers. The Film Noir Foundation's newly restored print of Try And Get Me should be a stunner- not available on DVD, this is rare glimpse into Enfield's U.S. career which was prematurely derailed due to HUAC blacklisting bullshit. Hell Drivers is a Rank Organization picture featuring Irish beauty Peggy Cummins, best known for her roles in Gun Crazy and Night Of The Demon.
