| Fantasy,
Horror & Sci Fi Weekend
Discuss this series with other film fans on:
http://www.myspace.com/americancinematheque
Screenings in this series also take place at
the Egyptian Theatre, August 2 - 26!
Shake the summer heat with this fascinating weekend of
sci-fi and fantasy genre favorites (including the original PLANET OF THE APES, its
sequel, BENEATH THE PLANET OF THE APES and a Richard Donner double bill of
LADYHAWKE and THE GOONIES) and new films (Jim Hemphill’s BAD
REPUTATION, Takashi Okazaki’s AFRO SAMURAI and Erik Nelson’s
documentary-work-in-progress, DREAMS WITH SHARP TEETH about legendary sci-fi scribe
Harlan Ellison).
Thursday, August 9 – 7:30 PM
An Evening with Harlan Ellison (Screening of
a work in progress.):
DREAMS WITH SHARP TEETH,
2007, 95 min. Harlan Ellison may be the greatest "unknown" writer of our
times. Like Ray Bradbury and Kurt Vonnegut, Ellison’s work was originally shunted
into the literary ghetto of "sci-fi," but Ellison and his work now defines his
own genre, which is as unique as its creator. Twenty-five years in the making, DREAMS WITH
SHARP TEETH is a literary documentary that brings Harlan Ellison, his magnetic personality
and amazing work to life, with appearances from Robin Williams and author Neil
Gaiman. Directed by the producer of GRIZZLY MAN, Erik Nelson, it features an
original score composed and performed by Richard Thompson. Discussion
following with author Harlan Ellison, moderated by director Erik Nelson.
Friday, August 10 – 7:30 PM
Double Feature:
PLANET OF THE APES, 1968, 20th
Century Fox, 119 min. Dir. Franklin Schaffner. One of the greatest modern sci-fi
films, a combination of apocalyptic action and evolutionary parable. Astronaut Taylor (Charlton
Heston) finds himself stranded on a strangely-familiar world; dominated by a
race of highly-intelligent gorillas, chimpanzees and orangutans. Featuring
amazingly-realistic monkey make-up by John Chambers, and a superb script by Rod Serling
and Michael Wilson, based on Pierre Boulle’s acclaimed novel. Co-starring Roddy
McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans.
BENEATH THE PLANET OF
THE APES, 1970, 20th Century Fox, 94 min. Three years before he directed the most
somber of the DIRTY HARRY sequels MAGNUM FORCE, reliable craftsman Ted Post took a
similar approach to the second -- and scariest -- entry in the PLANET OF THE APES
franchise. Astronaut Brent (James Franciscus), on a rescue mission looking for
Taylor (Charlton Heston), finds himself caught between apes determined to wipe out
humanity and a subterranean cult of H bomb-worshipping mutants. It’s a premise that
leaves little room for hope, but Post energizes the material with riveting action
sequences. The result is an underrated combination of stylish adventure and bleak
philosophy that seems timelier than ever in its examination of man’s terrifying
potential for self-annihilation. Co-starring Kim Hunter, Linda Harrison, Maurice Evans.
Saturday, August 11 – 7:30 PM
Director Richard Donner In-Person - Double
Feature:
THE GOONIES, 1985, Warner Bros., 114
min. Dir. Richard Donner. In a desperate attempt to save their homes from greedy
real estate developers, a group of young misfits (LORD OF THE RINGS’ Sean Astin,
Ke Huy Quan of INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM, Martha Plimpton and Corey
Feldman) embark upon a daring adventure that somehow weaves dirt bikes, bank robbers,
pirate maps, James Bond-esque gadgetry, Joe Pantoliano, and super-powered mutant
named Sloth into a fantastically fast paced movie that will make you miss the '80's! Also
featuring Josh Brolin (GRINDHOUSE) and former L.A. Raider John Matuszak. A
classic story by Steven Spielberg and screenplay by Chris Columbus (GREMLINS) that does
not talk down to kids. With great use of the timeless Max Steiner score from THE
ADVENTURES OF DON JUAN.
LADYHAWKE, 1985, Warner Bros., 121
min. Dir. Richard Donner. Rutger Hauer is perfectly cast as dashing knight
Etienne Navarre and Michelle Pfeiffer as his beautiful true love Lady Isabeau.
Navarre is cursed to take the form of a hawk by day. When Navarre rescues a young thief
named Mouse (Matthew Broderick), events are set in motion that will bring justice
to the wicked and reunite the cursed lovers in this enthralling medieval epic. Great
supporting work by veteran actor Leo McKern as Father Imperius the Monk, and a very
young Alfred Molina. Cinematographer Vittorio Storaro makes stunning use of the
Italian locations and The Alan Parsons Project-produced rock score, some thought dated at
the time, actually ages quite nicely. Discussion in between
films with director Richard Donner (schedule permitting).
Sunday, August 12 – 4:30 PM
BAD REPUTATION, 2007, Winning Edge
Partners, 90 min. When shy high school student Michelle Rosen (Angelique Hennessy
in an award-winning performance) catches the eye of popular jock Aaron (Jerad Anderson),
she thinks her life is about to change. She’s right - but not in the way she had
hoped. After Aaron and his friends make Michelle’s life a living hell and brand her
as the "school slut," she decides to use her bad reputation to her advantage and
turns the tables on her tormentors. Writer-director Jim Hemphill’s horror film
is a love letter to both 1970’s revenge flicks and 1980’s John Hughes teen
movies, as well as a darkly comic satire on sexual politics. Discussion following
with writer/director Jim Hemphill, producers Christopher Landers and T.W. Porrill, actors
Angelique Hennessy, Jerad Anderson and Danielle Noble, and other guests.
http://www.badreputationmovie.com/
www.myspace.com/badreputationmovie
Sunday, August 12 – 7:30 PM
Los Angeles Premiere!
AFRO SAMURAI, 2006, Takashi OKazaki,
Gonzo/Samurai Project/FUNimation, 125 min (5 episodes). This classic samurai
story, with a revolutionary animation style and hip-hop flavor, tells the tale of
a black swordman set in a futuristic, yet feudal, Japan who is on a mission to avenge the
wrongful death of his father. Samuel L. Jackson voices the title role of
"Afro," a mysterious warrior who travels a solitary path encountering a myriad
of enemies, friends and challenges beyond imagination. Renowned rap artist & producer RZA
provides the original soundtrack for the series. The cast also includes Ron Perlman
as "Justice," a lightning quick gunfighter, responsible for the death of
Afro’s father and Kelly Hu as "Okiku," a seductively beautiful girl
and healing arts expert. The concept was created by graphic designer/illustrator Takashi
"Bob" Okazaki, and the series is a creative collaboration between Jackson
(executive producer), Okazaki, and Japanese animation company Gonzo.
Discussion following with producer Eric Calderon. |
