T H U R S D A Y 2 6 F E B R U A R Y -
W E D N E S D A Y 4 M A R C H 2 0 1 5
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The Wellington Film Society, Paramount 6.15pm Monday 2 March;
A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE (David Cronenberg, USA/Germany/Canada, 2005).
A psychological thriller and, in its own idiosyncratic way, a rumination on character. There's not a wasted moment. Yet the pace is measured. Every character gets his due,
every environment feels lived in, and every bit of story information comes grounded in detail about character and relationships. Cronenberg presses the movie forward,
which in this case is not synonymous with simply advancing the story. Cronenberg is also advancing not an idea so much as an impression of violence as something hovering
over virtually all human interaction, like the air people breathe. It's not always there, but it always might be there. It can make itself known at any moment... Cronenberg builds the
suspense, the sense of everything converging and closing in. Parallels are drawn between Tom's experiences and that of his son, who is contending with bullies in school.
The idea is that there's no relief and no shelter, anywhere, which is something Tom seems to understand intuitively. It's what makes him interesting and what makes the movie
more than just a routine thriller. He knows violence from the inside out.
- Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle, 23 September 2005.
In a rare (these days) 35mm print - thanks to Paramount Cinemas. Members only - 12-month memberships available before the screening starts.
Nga Taonga Sound and Vision. At the Mediatheatre until Saturday 28 February, Gerard Smyth's
AUNTY AND THE STAR PEOPLE (NZ 2014).
For more details, check out the calendar of screenings and events.
Film Festivals to note:
The French Film Festival 2015, Embassy 11-29 March.
Brochures are now available at the cinema, and advance bookings are open.
If your festival is not listed here, please advise the Cinemaster
This site relies on the various cinemas having their own websites up to date to access their screening times.
The paragraphs describing the films starting this week are in most cases adapted from the linked reviews.
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For comments and movie news, contact the Cinemaster at filmster@gmail.com.
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s t a r t s t h i s w e e k!
THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL -
The imminence of death serves as a source of both comedy and poignant self-reflection in this spirited sequel to the unexpected 2012 success, assembled hastily enough
that none of its ensemble had a chance to "check out" before they could all cash in, hoping to duplicate the original's $46 million haul (nearly twice as much abroad).
If the first was all about seeking rest and relaxation half a world away in India, then its relatively hectic successor finds the entire ensemble hustling jobs in Jaipur.
So, whether or not the film is to your taste, its creators have tried to do right by the original, brainstorming a plot deserving of a sequel that's hardly second-best.
Also Penthouse, Roxy, Lighthouse, Readings, Queensgate, Coastlands and Shoreline.
SUPERMENSCH: THE LEGEND OF SHEP GORDON -
When rising agent and manager Shep Gordon wore a t-shirt declaring "No Head No Backstage Pass," it was a sexual invitation certainly, but it also served as a bit of
territory-marking. Here was a man who could get what he wanted because of the access he had, and Shep certainly didn't waste a second. But there is so much more
than simply sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll, which is what makes Mike Myers' directorial debut so involving, satisfying and even moving.
But let's be clear: there is sex, drugs and rock 'n roll in the film. Shep's adventures in Hollywood are an almost too-good-to-be-true tale of myth-like proportions.
Also Shoreline.
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