Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Only Lovers Left Alive

ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE and FOR NO GOOD REASON To Augment Successful BELLE and CHEF at THE NEON!

By Leave a Comment

Only-Lovers-Left-Alive-Australian-Poster-copyHello Everyone,

Even though we’re managing to hold BELLE and CHEF for another week, we’re adding 2 new films to the mix. The documentary about Ralph Steadman – FOR NO GOOD REASON – will have just three screenings over the weekend, and Jim Jarmusch’s new vampire film (with the always-thrilling Tilda Swinton) – ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE – will start limited screenings on Friday.

Synopsis for ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE: “Jim Jarmusch’s ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE tells the tale of two fragile and sensitive vampires, Adam (Tom Hiddleston) and Eve (Tilda Swinton), who have been lovers for centuries. Both are cultured intellectuals with an all-embracing passion for music, literature and science, who have evolved to a level where they no longer kill for sustenance, but still retain their innate wildness. Adam, a reclusive underground musician hiding out in the ruins of contemporary Detroit, despairs about human civilization’s decline, and worries about future survival. Eve, who is perhaps 3000 years old to Adam’s 500, takes a longer view of history and is more optimistic. She leaves her home in the ancient city of Tangier to come to his side.” (taken from Sony Pictures Classics) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TbxI_oRSKI’]

Synopsis for FOR NO GOOD REASON: “Experience 15 years in the life of acclaimed illustrator Ralph Steadman, whose surreal, often confrontational artwork is frequently associated with Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson thanks to such books as Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and The Curse of Lono. A look back at Steadman’s remarkable career offers a glimpse into his vivid imagination as interviews with Johnny Depp, Terry Gilliam, Richard E. Grant, Tim Robbins and others offer insight into the man behind the legend. Meanwhile, Steadman watches as his drawings are brought to life through the magic of animation for the very first time.” (Jason Buchanan, Rovi) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QABS2MG8UOA’]

“Start Freedom Dayton, a film series started by Peace on Fifth to raise awareness about human trafficking, returns next Thursday, June 19th at 7:30 pm with the newest movie about human trafficking – TRICKED. The sex trafficking industry rakes in $3 billion dollars a year and with little awareness for the general population. TRICKED, released in December 2013, is set on the streets of the US as a clear witness to the domestic sex trafficking ‘game.’ This is a very powerful movie. Age appropriate for 12+, however children should have some level of awareness and emotional maturity. For more information call Peace on Fifth at 937.367.7215 or email startfreedom@peaceonfifth.com. To learn more about TRICKED and to see a trailer, visit the official site. All advanced tickets are available exclusively at Peace on Fifth (234 S Dutoit St., St. Anne’s Hill) for an $8 suggested donation.” (taken from Peace on Fifth press release)

The Montgomery County Food Policy Coalition is hosting a screening of FOOD PATRIOTS on Saturday, June 21 at 3:00. “Touched by their teenage son’s battle with a foodborne superbug, filmmakers Jeff & Jennifer Spitz document their family’s struggle to raise backyard chickens, grow food, and transform into Food Patriots. FOOD PATRIOTS features people from all walks of life who are trying to change the way Americans eat and buy food, and educate the next generation of consumers.” Admission is free and open to the public – to save a spot, please RSVP to Emily Bradford at (937)225-6470 or bradforde@mcohio.org

On Wednesday, June 25 at 7:30, THE NEON is happy to host a one-night screening of the new documentary TO BE TAKEI. This is part of Dayton PRIDE’s month-long LGBT Pride celebration. “Over seven decades, actor and activist George Takei boldly journeyed from a WWII internment camp, to the helm of the starship Enterprise, to the daily news feeds of five million Facebook fans. Join George and his husband Brad on this star’s playful and profound trek for life, liberty, and love. Best known for playing Sulu on the original Star Trek TV series and six movies that followed, George Takei is unlikely social media royalty. Unofficially dubbed the King of Facebook, he counts over 5 million fans in his online empire – including Trekkies, Howard Stern listeners, and the LGBTQ community – who devour his quirky mix of kitten jokes, Star Trek references, heartfelt messages, and sci-fi/fantasy memes…” (taken from press notes) Tickets, just $8 each, are now available at our box office.

On Thursday, June 26 at 7:30, we will host a preview screening of the new short film FOR FRANCIS. “When Matt Flynn (David Beck) discovers that his son Francis’s second grade teacher Ms. Walker (Kathy Patterson) gave his son a dress to wear, Matt becomes enraged and confronts the school. This very special preview screening on June 26th is in large part for donors in the Dayton area who contributed to the FOR FRANCIS fundraising campaign last fall. The film has already captured the attention of many prominent figures in the entertainment industry, including Emmy Award Winner Tim Gunn, who is one of the film’s Executive Producers. The character of ‘Ms. Walker’ in FOR FRANCIS is inspired by David Beck’s junior high English teacher, Denise Walker, of St. Charles School, in Kettering, Ohio. Although a work of fiction, the story of FOR FRANCIS is inspired by the real life Mrs. Walker’s positive influence on David’s life. Please RSVP to davidGbeck@gmail.com for free tickets. Donations are welcome, and walk-ins will be accepted for $7. The donations will be used to help cover the cost of theater rentals and festival submissions.” (taken from Press Notes)

A special, one-time screening of STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING DOORS has been requested for Sunday, June 29 at 5:15…but it will only move forward if at least 50 tickets are reserved by Friday, June 20. Click this official LINK to reserve your ticket. “STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING DOORS tells the story of Ricky, a 13-year old boy with Asperger’s Syndrome who gets lost one day in the New York City subway system. While his mother frantically searches for him above ground, the sensory-sensitive Ricky is exposed to the cacophony, eccentricity, and menace found in New York’s underground (including some scenes shot during Hurricane Sandy, which came to figure into the film’s story), resulting in a truly authentic view into both the wonders and the horrors of what lies below.”

Thanks for your continued interest and enthusiastic support.

We hope to see you soon!

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, June 13 – Thursday, June 19:

BELLE (PG) 1 Hr Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:20

CHEF (R) 1 Hr Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:10, 7:40

ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE (R) 2 Hrs 3 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 9:40
Monday – Wednesday: 7:45

FOR NO GOOD REASON (R) 1 Hr 29 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30

TRICKED (NR) 1 Hr 15 Min + Discussion
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:

(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)

June 20 – FED UP
June 20 – SUPERMENSCH: LEGEND OF SHEP GORDON
June 27 – OBVIOUS CHILD
June 27 – JODOROWSKY’S DUNE
July 4 – A HARD DAY’S NIGHT
July 25 – THIRD PERSON
Aug. 8 – BOYHOOD
Aug. 15 – MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT
Aug. 29 – LAND HO

THE NEON Has 2 Big Hits with CHEF & BELLE!

By Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We had an absolutely terrific holiday weekend. Audiences are loving CHEF and BELLE, and we’re going to hold them both. Many thanks to all of you who came out to support these films.

I know that many of you are anxious to see some of our upcoming selections – like FED UP and ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE and JODOROWSKY’S DUNE…please rest assured that these films will eventually make their way to THE NEON. Our opening dates can move for a variety of reasons, and we appreciate your patience as some of the films get shifted. Stay tuned to this newsletter or our website for the latest date changes.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK-ZUFX5fnk’]

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wtdk6owFj2o’]

“Start Freedom Dayton, a film series started by Peace on Fifth to raise awareness about human trafficking, returns June 19th at 7:30 pm at THE NEON with the newest movie about human trafficking – TRICKED. The sex trafficking industry rakes in $3 billion dollars a year and with little awareness for the general population. TRICKED, released in December 2013, is set on the streets of the US as a clear witness to the domestic sex trafficking ‘game.’ This is a very powerful movie. Age appropriate for 12+, however children should have some level of awareness and emotional maturity. For more information call Peace on Fifth at 937.367.7215 or email startfreedom@peaceonfifth.com. To learn more about TRICKED and to see a trailer, visit the official site. All advanced tickets are available exclusively at Peace on Fifth (234 S Dutoit St., St. Anne’s Hill) for an $8 suggested donation. The screening will only happen if 75 tickets are distributed.” (taken from Peace on Fifth press release)

On Wednesday, June 25 at 7:30, THE NEON is happy to host a one-night screening of the new documentary TO BE TAKEI. This is part of Dayton PRIDE‘s month-long LGBT Pride celebration. “Over seven decades, actor and activist George Takei boldly journeyed from a WWII internment camp, to the helm of the starship Enterprise, to the daily news feeds of five million Facebook fans. Join George and his husband Brad on this star’s playful and profound trek for life, liberty, and love. Best known for playing Sulu on the original Star Trek TV series and six movies that followed, George Takei is unlikely social media royalty. Unofficially dubbed the King of Facebook, he counts over 5 million fans in his online empire – including Trekkies, Howard Stern listeners, and the LGBTQ community – who devour his quirky mix of kitten jokes, Star Trek references, heartfelt messages, and sci-fi/fantasy memes…” (taken from press notes) Tickets, just $8 each, are now available at our box office.

Our facebook page is blowing up because I announced that we’re considering playing the newly remastered A HARD DAY’S NIGHT during July 4 weekend. This is in celebration of the 50th anniversary. Would you come out to support this Beatles favorite if we played it during the holiday weekend?

Thanks for your continued interest and enthusiastic support.
We hope to see you soon!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, May 30 – Thursday, June 5:

BELLE (PG) 1 Hr Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:20, 7:45

CHEF (R) 1 Hr Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:10, 7:40

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
June 6 – FED UP
June 6 – JODOROWSKI’S DUNE
June 13 – ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE
June 13 – FOR NO GOOD REASON
June 20 – SUPERMENSCH: SHEP GORDON
July 4 – A HARD DAY’S NIGHT
July 25 – THIRD PERSON
Aug. 8 – BOYHOOD
Aug. 15 – MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT
Aug. 29 – LAND HO

GOD’S POCKET – One of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Last Films – Opens Friday!

By Leave a Comment

10308361_455718141225273_1697678478318215769_nHello Everyone,

It’s now time to bid adieu to our 3rd highest grossing film ever – THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL. Many thanks to all of you who helped make this film such a success. Thursday will be its last day at THE NEON. In addition, Thursday will be the last day for UNDER THE SKIN. Hurry down if you still need to see these films. (Showtimes for this week can still be found on our website at www.neonmovies.com )

Last weekend didn’t go as well as we had hoped for THE RAILWAY MAN. Though mediocre reviews may have kept some folks away, many of our regulars agreed that the film is actually quite powerful…and the performances from Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman are worth the price of admission. We will hold the film for another week. In addition, we will open the film GOD’S POCKET – one of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s final films.

Synopsis for GOD’S POCKET: Philip Seymour Hoffman, John Turturro, Christina Hendricks and Richard Jenkins star in the directorial debut from John Slattery (known for his work on MAD MEN). “In the gritty, blue-collar neighborhood of God’s Pocket, Mickey Scarpato’s crazy stepson, Leon, is killed in a construction ‘accident,’ and Mickey quickly tries to bury the bad news with the body. But when a local columnist comes sniffing around for the truth, things go from bad to worse. Mickey finds himself stuck in a life-and-death struggle compounded by a body he can’t bury, a wife he can’t please, and a debt he can’t pay. Acclaimed actor John Slattery makes an impressive jump behind the camera with an assured directorial debut that shows he has a razor-sharp eye for conveying the absurdity, cruelty, desperation, and tragic optimism of the people he portrays.” (taken from IFC Films)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMTdOwyrWzo’]

The 2014 Dayton Jewish Film Festival is already winding down. Only 2 films are left. Click this LINK to visit the festival’s official site…details for buying advanced tickets can be found there. Here is a list of remaining films that are screening at THE NEON:
Thursday, May 15 at 7:15 – WHITE PANTHER
Sunday, May 18 at 7:15 – THE THIRD HALF
Program guides are currently available in our lobby!

Don’t forget about tomorrow evening’s special presentation in celebration of National Architecture Week. The American Institute of Architects Dayton will present 2 special films on Wednesday, May 14 at 7:30. PEOPLE IN GLASS HOUSES (45 Minutes) celebrates the mid-century modern homes designed by Joseph Eichler in California between 1949 and 1974 and MONUMENT TO A DREAM (30 Minutes) traces the adventure of the St. Louis Arch’s evolution, from early concepts on the drawing boards to the fabrication of its stainless steel sections, and the triumphant placement, in a race against the sun, of its final section in the fall of 1965. Tickets, just $5 each, are now available at THE NEON’s box office.

“Stivers School for the Arts presents THE SHOWCASE 2014. This eclectic compilation of short films includes absurdly comedic work as well as hard hitting documentaries. Some of these films have already won national and regional awards. Following the show will be a Q & A with the student filmmakers. All proceeds go toward updating equipment in the Stivers video and animation studio. Tickets are $5.00 during the pre-sale and will be $7.00 the night of the screening. This presentation will screen on Tuesday, May 20 at 7:30. Tickets are available at THE NEON box office and Stivers School of the Arts.” (taken from press notes)

The Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus is celebrating the life and legacy of gay rights pioneer Harvey Milk with a 2 1/2 week celebration. Over that time, the chorus will screen THE TIMES OF HARVEY MILK at THE NEON as well as premiere a new work – I AM HARVEY MILK – at The Victoria Theatre. They will additionally host a brunch at Wheat Penny. More information on all these events (including ticketing details) can be found on the DGMC official site. If you’re only able to see the film (which includes the screening at THE NEON, a post-screening discussion with community leaders, and a reception at Serendipity Bistro), those tickets can be purchased at THE NEON’s box office for $15 each. This documentary from 1984 played a big part in the creation of the screenplay for the MILK biopic from 2008. It screens Thursday, May 22 at 7:15.

“On a fall afternoon in 1976, young Annie Parker (Samantha Morton) loses everything a person can lose, including her family. Through the years, Annie continues her fight, even after she is diagnosed with breast cancer herself. Meanwhile, far away, brilliant research scientist Mary-Claire King (Helen Hunt), contrary to the advice of her colleagues, is embarking on a journey that will touch millions of lives – one of the most important scientific discoveries of the twentieth century: the BRCA1 gene. This film premier of DECODING ANNIE PARKER, taking place Thursday June 12 at 7:30pm at THE NEON, is hosted by Cancer Support Community Western Ohio. Tickets cost $35 and include admission, concessions, a red carpet with photographers, complimentary wine and cheese, a Q&A with a panel of local experts, and a tax-deductible charitable donation to CSCWO. Tickets can be obtained by calling CSCWO at 937-223-4117 or visiting cancersupportwesternohio.org or visiting dineoutdayton.com.”

Many thanks for your continued interest in THE NEON.

We hope to see you soon!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, May 16 – Thursday, May 22:

GOD’S POCKET (R) 1 Hr 28 Min
Friday, Saturday: 1:00, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday: 1:00, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20

THE RAILWAY MAN (R) 1 Hr 56 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Sunday: 12:15, 2:40, 5:00
Monday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:30
Tuesday: 2:40, 5:00
Wednesday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:30
Thursday: 2:40, 5:00

DAYTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
THE THIRD HALF (NR) 1 Hr 55 Min – Sunday at 7:15

STIVERS: THE SHOWCASE 2014 (NR)
Tuesday: 7:30

THE TIMES OF HARVEY MILK (NR) 1 Hr 28 Min
Thursday: 7:15

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
May 23 – BELLE
May 30 – ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE
May 30 – JODOROWSKI’S DUNE
June 13 – FOR NO GOOD REASON
TBD – DOM HEMINGWAY

GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL Opens Exclusively at THE NEON

By Leave a Comment

GrandBudapestHotel__140307021004-275x429Hello Everyone,

We’re very excited about this weekend. Wes Anderson’s new film has been breaking box office records across the country, and now THE NEON gets to have the local exclusive opening of THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL. Many people in the Miami Valley have been eagerly anticipating this movie (including almost everyone at THE NEON), and we’re looking forward to our “Wes Anderson Fan Screening” on Thursday night at 8:00. (Regular ticket prices apply, and tickets are still available…with several fun prizes in store.) If you can’t make it Thursday, never fear…we’re dedicating both screens to this film for its first week.

If you still need to see any of our current attractions, you only have until Thursday for ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME, THE GREAT BEAUTY and OMAR will all play for the last time on Thursday. For remaining showtimes for this week, please visit our official site – www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL: “THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL recounts the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune — all against the back-drop ofa suddenly and dramatically changing Continent.” The cast for this film is absolutely amazing. Visit the film’s official site by clicking this LINK.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hL8HEzTNmU’]

For even more flavor of the film, visit the site that is dedicated to its fictional world by clicking this LINK.

“Lion Apparel invites all area Firefighters & their friends to come to THE NEON to see the documentary BURN…’One year on the front lines of the battle to save Detroit.’ BURN is an award-winning, action-packed film that takes you closer than you’ve ever been, capturing a year in the lives of Detroit firefighters who are charged with the thankless task of saving a city that many have written off as dead. There will be 2 screenings – Tuesday April 1st and Wednesday April 2nd. Each screening starts at 7:30. Minimum $5 donation payable at the door. Money raised will go toward the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.” (taken from press notes)

The TAB Entertainment has rented one of our auditoriums on Sunday, April 13 for a special, one-time screening of MY DREAM BESIDE ME. “MY DREAM BESIDE ME is a romantic dramedy based on the true love story of Paul Rich and Mary Kay Slesinger Rich. At 84 years young Paul lost his wife of 66 years – Mary Kay was married for 34 years and she was left a widow when she was in her mid 60’s. After a few years Paul and Mary Kay met and fell in love. This union of marriage is a testimony that people can be strong, vital and full of life at any age.” (taken from press notes) Tickets for this screening are $9 each. Advanced tickets are only available on the film’s official website (Click HERE to visit the official site). Remaining tickets will be sold at THE NEON’s box office on the day of the screening.

Thanks for your continued support of THE NEON!
We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, March 21 – Thursday, March 27:

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL (R) 1 Hr 39 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday:
12:30, 1:30, 2:45, 4:30, 5:10, 7:15, 7:30, 9:40, 10:00
Monday – Thursday:
1:30, 2:45, 4:00, 5:10, 6:30, 7:30, 9:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
March 28 – TIM’S VERMEER
April 11 – THE RAID 2
April 18 – THE LUNCHBOX
April 25 – LE WEEK-END
May 5 – JODOROWSKI’S DUNE
May 16 – ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE
May 16 – GOD’S POCKET
June 13 – FOR NO GOOD REASON
TBD – DOM HEMINGWAY
TBD – BELLE
TBD – UNDER THE SKIN

Toronto – Day #1 (5 Films)

By Leave a Comment

Hello!

Today was one of those packed days…and I’m thinking I might finish typing this while in line tomorrow morning (so I can get at least 5 hours of sleep).

I saw 5 films on Day #1.

First off was an Iranian film called CLOSED CURTAIN by Jafar Panahi & Kambuzia Partovi.  This is a film about a man who goes into hiding with his dog – residing in a “friend’s house” where he blacks out all the windows and fears any sounds of people outside.  A strange woman finds her way into the house, and tensions mount.  About half way into the film, the story reveals itself.  Not everything is as it seems…for this is a story being written/imagined by a director.  This is a film about inspiration and character development…and how one creates under certain constraits.  Not knowing Panahi’s story (of being under house arrest in Iran) could make this film a little more difficult to initially understand…though I eventually found the cinematic riddles/metaphors to be a little obtuse and tedious.  (There’s a side story about how dogs are not allowed to be seen in public…and the dog in this movie steals every scene.)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBLiT13SBl8′]

(CONTINUED at 7:00am Friday morning)

Francois Ozon’s latest film – YOUNG AND BEAUTIFUL – is a sexually charged film about a girl losing her virginity over the summer…and how she eventually is drawn into the power-play of sexuality.  At 17, while still in high school and living at home, she begins leading a double life of a prostitute.  She uses on-line pornography as tutorials, and she steals her mother’s clothes to look more sophisticated.  Told over the course of 4 seasons, this film has a couple clunky moments and on-the-nose song choices (and a little too overscored – though I do love the score).  It even visually references BELLE DE JOUR – which is clearly loved by Ozon.  Overall, I rather liked the sexual politics of the film…and I loved the ending.  (Last year, I saw Ozon’s last film  – IN THE HOUSE…it ended up being one of my favorites.)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMSiEhAw4PA’]

ABUSE OF WEAKNESS is Catherine Breillat’s latest film – based loosely on her personal story of dealing with the aftermath of a stroke and being swindled by a man who she came to admire (who was supposed to star in her next film).  This film stars Isabelle Huppert, and she is out of this world!  The control of her body and speech are unbelievable!  Though a bit too long and sometimes a bit frustrating (though I’m guessing that might be the point…as dealing with an illness and its physical challenges can be much the same).  The psychology of what makes people do things that seem out of character is a driving force of this film, and it’s worth seeing just for Huppert’s incredible performance.

abuseofweakness_01

KILL YOUR DARLINGS stars Daniel Radcliffe as Allen Ginsberg – which should seal the deal to mainstream America that Radcliffe can do a lot more than play a boy wizard (many already knew this given EQUUS and other examples).  Though produced by Killer Films (known for a variety of indie gems over the years – BOYS DON’T CRY, FAR FROM HEAVEN, and many many more), this film seemed more “Hollywood” than anything I saw on Day #1.  This is due mostly to its simplistic script.  The visual style is rather nice, and most of the performances are really quite good, but it seemed a little too easy and I found myself rolling my eyes a lot – especially in the first 20 minutes (and the use of some contemporary music killed a few moments instead of making them relatable).  Overall, I came away liking several things about the film – but it’s far from being a masterpiece.  (Part biopic, part thriller!…you didn’t see that coming, did you?  Without the opening scene set in prison, you wouldn’t really guess the film was heading that direction.)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6i4XR5Z4lU’]

ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE was my final film of the day.  Jim Jarmusch’s vampire movie isn’t what many might suspect.  It’s not at all a horror film!  This is a love story about 2 sophisticated  people who have lived for hundreds of years.  Told in a bit of a hallucinogenic haze, this film is actually full of humorous moments and thoughtful insights to today’s world.  (Tom Hiddleston’s character – who plays opposite Tilda Swinton – is contemplating suicide…due mostly to being so disenchanted with the monstrous actions of today’s human beings – who he refers to as “zombies”).  Told in a languid, poetic fashion, this is a character driven film with lots of long, slowly moving scenes with beautiful music and photography.  Some might find the film boring (especially if they’re looking for a traditional genre film), but I thought it was rather lovely.  Tilda was NOT there!  Though disappointing, it was nice to see and hear Jarmusch and Hiddleston discuss the film (I didn’t previously know who Hiddleston was…but fans were shrieking with delight when he emerged from his car).  Mia Wasikowska was also in attendance.  She had little to say.

RZ6A7363.JPG

only-lovers-left-alive

3 Films today.  Maybe 4!

More later!  Thanks for reading!