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W E D N E S D A Y 1 0 J U N E 2 0 2 6
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The Wellington Film Society, Monday 8 June at 6.00pm and 8.30pm:
PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE Brian De Palma, USA, 1974
Arguably De Palma's finest film. A highly inventive updating of the Phantom of the Opera story to the rockbiz world - complete with borrowings from Faust and The Picture of Dorian Gray it tells of rock composer Finley's desire for revenge after he is cheated by a nightclub and record label mogul (Paul Williams). Nothing that remarkable about the plot in itself, but De Palma employs his love of gadgetry to imaginative effect (making terrific use of split screens and video technology), and casts a satirically beady eye upon the money-hungry foibles of the music industry. Best, in fact, is the cameo by Gerrit Graham as the camp, 'Producers'-style glamrock star, although Goerge Memmoli's world-weary manager and the piss-take of Alice Cooper are also memorable.
- Time Out, 3 May 2011.
Members only.
Film Society Memberships are available at any time on line.
Film Festivals to note:
The 2016 French Film Festival runs 3 to 28 June in Wellington at the Embassy, all Light House cinemas and the Penthouse. On now.
To mark it's 80th birthday, the Wellington Film Society presents a bonus weekend-long mini-festival of eight films, one from each decade of its history. Embassy Friday 5 - Sunday 7 June: Details here: Playing the Part.. If you are a member, save a seat here.
The annual NZIFF will play in Wellington this year 12 - 23 August (encores 24 - 29 August). Mark the dates in your calendar now. The first titles have been announced - including the opening night film. More details as they become avaliable.
If you have a festival due to run in Wellington and it's not listed here, contact 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.
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 AMAZING DIGITAL CIRCUS; THE LAST ACT -
This viral internet sensation comes to its long-awaited conclusion in a feature-length theatrical release! This "Last Act" combines episode 8 with the all new, hour long episode 9 for fans to see before anyone else in the world. As the prospect of eternity closes in around them, they discover the truth about the Digital Circus and its history.
Also Queensgate and Coastlands.
FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL 2026 -
This year marks the 20th edition celebrating French film in New Zealand, running through to 28 June. With actresses such as Isabelle Huppert and Angelina Jolie, and directors Cedriic Klapisch, Doninik Moll and Francois Ozon, there is sure to be something for everyone.
Also Penthouse and all Lighthouse.
MOSS & FREUD -
The glitzy zone of fast fashion meets the hermetic, brooding art world in this film written and directed by James Lucas. In 2002, iconic supermodel Kate Moss and prominent portrait artist Lucien Freud spent nine months together as he painted her Naked Portrait. For lovers of London, fashion and art, it's a visual feast, even better consumed with a glass of Bollinger, of course.
Also Shoreline.
MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE -
There are reminders of Mike Hodges's Flash Gordon from 1980, but director Travis Knight has a much surer sense of purpose. Everything here is funny on purpose. The chaos is precisely ordered. Imagine the beginning of Superman as produced by Roger Corman at his most vulgar. All solid good fun. All professionally honed. A minor miracle.
Also Monterey, Reading and Coastlands.
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