MON JUN 15, 2026 10:00 PM THE TRAP $10.00 (member) ; $15.00 (general admission) Ticket prices include a $2.00 online booking fee. Los Feliz 3 | ‘Peter Watkins: An American Cinematheque Retrospective’ Checking Event Status... *This is an RSVP which means first come first served. This RSVP does not guarantee a seat. This event is for members only. Not a Member? Join Today. Already a Member? Be sure you are logged in to your account. Your RSVP is being held for 1 minute, please fill out your contact info to complete the RSVP. * All fields are required First Name * Last Name * Email * Quantity * Subscribe to our newsletter FINISH
ABOUT THE FILM: In Swedish with English subtitles. “In 1974, Sveriges Radio in Stockholm invited members of the Swedish public to submit teleplay scripts dealing with the “future.” One of the scripts selected was by Bo Melander, a noted journalist working for The Gothenburg Times. I accepted to direct the play when it was chosen for production, and in January 1975 Bo and I worked on developing the script, deciding to concentrate on the nuclear reactor issue which was becoming a major political concern in Sweden in 1974. THE TRAP is set in the underground living quarters of a scientist working at an international nuclear waste station near the west coast of Sweden. It is the end of 1999, and the TV in the oppressive living room inhabited by John (the scientist), his wife, Margereta, and their son Peter, is proclaiming optimistic statements about the promise of the New Millennium. John’s brother Bertil, accompanied by young Bo, the son of a third brother – imprisoned by the Swedish authorities for ‘antisocial’ activities – arrives at the waste site to celebrate the new century; they are first seen via monitor screens – making their slow progress through the security checks. Their visit with John and his family is tense and soon breaks down. Bertil holds a political position completely opposed to that of his establishment brother, denounces the consumerist society which has led to the need for all the nuclear waste embedded in the nearby rocks, and argues bitterly with John, telling him that he and his colleagues are like caged rats, trapped within the confines of a system they defend blindly. Too angry to stay on, Bertil takes Bo and attempts to leave, but is arrested at a security checkpoint. Margareta watches the security guards grab a protesting Bo, and asks her husband, “What kind of life is this we’re living?” Meanwhile, on the Swedish television channel, a Minister of State expresses his belief that, ‘The century to come will be a century for humanity, filled with humanity.'” – Peter Watkins FORMAT: DCP COUNTRY: Sweden