Few cities are mythologized more then Los Angeles. Featuring hundreds of archival film clips, Thom Andersen’s epic “Los Angeles Plays Itself” examines the city as both a cinematic fantasy and a hidden urban reality. Andersen’s depiction of LA through the prism of popular film culture is a must-see for all local history buffs and cinema enthusiasts. 2003, 169 min.
Following the screening join Thom Andersen for a discussion about the film.
WHEN: 7:30pm Sept 11-13
ADMISSION: $10 General/$8 Seniors & Students/$7 Members
WHERE: Aero Theatre
ADDRESS: 1328 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403
PHONE: (323) 466-3456
WEBSITE: www.americancinematheque.com
According to Thomas S. Hines, UCLA professor of history and architecture, the entertainment industry of yesteryear was not solely drawn to kitsch and glitz. Kicking off the Hollyhock House’s new lecture series, Hines will discuss “The Other Hollywood: Modern Architecture and the Los Angeles Film Community.” With a focus on the two dominant branches of architectural modernism – rationalism and expressionism – Hines relays how architectural trendsetters like Lloyd Wright and Richard Neutra captivated a movement of sophisticated actors, writers, directors and producers.
Eleven years in the making, “Patti Smith: Dream of Life” weaves together the many facets of Smith’s path as a poet, rocker, mother and activist. The first film by fashion photographer Steven Sebring, the unusually sensitive rock documentary, often filmed in grainy black and white 16mm, follows Smith around since her 1995 comeback album “Gone Again.” While Smith’s reputation as a “punk goddess” on the early NYC punk scene is acknowledged, “Dream of Life” focuses on Smith’s lifelong struggle to reconcile her gentle reclusive nature with her intense onstage presence. 2008, Palm Pictures, 109 min.
“Intergalactic Ambassador” and avant-garde musician Sun Ra stars as a Black Power-inspired alien in the 1974 low-fi classic “Space is the Place.” As the final film to be screened at Afterall’s summer rooftop sci-fi series, Ra’s extraterrestrial blaxploitation production perfectly embodies the series’ manifesto: “outer space is a metaphor for psychological inner space.”
In the new documentary “Glass: A Portrait of Philip in Twelve Parts,” director Scott Hicks traces a year in Glass’s life as he writes Symphony No. 8, scores several films and stages the opera “Waiting for the Barbarians.” As one of the foremost composers of our time, Glass’s music is celebrated in both highbrow concert halls and smaller avant-garde venues.
Birds, whales and popcorn are the magical combination for an amazing Friday night out in LA. The Audubon Center at Debs Park offers an informal bird walk through its walnut woodlands before an outdoor screening of the 2002 large aquatic mammal classic “Whalerider.” Destined to be the chief of her New Zealand tribe, the young Pai must prove herself and of course, ride the mythical whale Paikea. Visit one of the city’s few natural locales while enjoying one of Kristin’s all time favorite films under the stars.
