Page 13 - the NOISE January 2014

This writer interviewed Paul Helford of NAU College of Arts & Letters Classic Film Series about their upcoming spring 2014 series. Paul Donnelly and Mr. Helford chose to
focus on “Hollywood Outsiders — filmmakers who started, ended or spent their entire careers outside the Hollywood mainstream.” Because, according to Mr. Helford, “it’s so differ- ent than anything we’ve done before and such a contrast to last season.”
Mr. Helford mentioned that we “wanted to do many of these films for the last ten years but they just didn’t fit into our series. Particularly the first three offered in January: The Magnificent Ambersons, directed by Orson Welles, is consid- ered by some, including myself as his masterpiece, even bet- ter than Citizen Kane! He was considered the ultimate insider, who became the bad boy outsider.” (Perhaps, for exposing William Randolph Hearst as a robber baron type?)
And the second film of the series, Out of the Past is directed by Jacques Torneur, who according to Mr. Helford, “gave us such classics of early film noir as Cat People and I Walk With The Zombies.” And finally the last Tuesday in January brings Underworld USA directed by Sam Fuller, who always went his own way. Mr. Helford mentioned that “Scorsese and oth- ers in the industry love this film and it has been remade sev- eral times, including Against All Odds.”These free classic films show on Tuesday evenings at 7PM in Cline Library. (Still free parking behind library, enjoy it while it lasts!)
1/14 — The Magnificent Ambersons, directed by Orson Welles, 1942, 88 minutes, approved audiences. An hour was cut out of Welles’ masterpiece by the studios and this may have contributed to his need to leave the system of Holly- wood. The tale of a spoiled heir who comes between his wid- owed mother and the man she has always loved. Perhaps the best romantic drama ever made!
1/21 — Out of the Past, directed by Jacques Torneur, 1947, 97 minutes, unrated. Robert Mitchum and Kirk Douglas were never better in this dark classic film noir about a man caught up in the world of duplicitous corruption, double crosses and femme fatales. If you’re interested in film noir, don’t miss this classic!
1/28 — Underworld USA, directed by Sam Fuller, 1961, 99 minutes, unrated. A fast moving gangster revenge thriller! When a 14-year old boy sees four hoods beat his father to death, he relishes the moment of payback with a vengeance.
More “Hollywood outsiders” to watch for in the spring 2014 series: Kubrick, Hopper, Peckinpah, Malick, Altman, Sayles, Waters, Lynch and check: nau.edu.CAL/Events
The NAU International Film Series returns with a semes- ter of films from around the world designed to engage active cinephiles in a dialogue with the screen, the professors who
Orson Welles’ The Magnificent Ambersons is considered by many as the iconic director’s masterpiece; it is playing as part of the NAU College of Arts &
Letters Classic Film Series January 14.
introduce the films and your dream world. These provocative free films show on Wednesday evenings at 7PM in the Liberal Arts Building, room 120. Jude Costello takes over the helm from Astrid as the curator for the series. Spring of 2014 brings a series entitled: “Globalization and Migration,” investigating the tribulations of people under a new migrating set of world rules. Each film has informed introductions so we can join in a discussion afterward. Don’t miss this great academic film experience!
1/29 — A Good Day to Die, directed by David Mueller and Lynn Salt, USA, 2011, 92 minutes. The film follows the work of the American Indian Movement (AIM) and Dennis Bank as they advocate for the rights of American Indians in a difficult environment of static neglect. AIM seeks redress for forced as- similation of Native Americans within boarding schools and discrimination by law. Powerful! Check: nau.edu.CAL/Events for the powerful upcoming films in this series.
The Sedona International Film Festival (SIFF) has the be- ginnings of a packed schedule for the Mary D Fisher Theatre as they ready themselves for February and their 20th Anniver- sary (February 22 — March 2). Right now, Susan Sarandon is a tributary to be honored. Executive Director Patrick Sch- weiss is excited to be getting some big names for this special anniversary; check: SedonaFilmFestival.com for more info!
This month at Mary D. Fisher:
1/4-5 — Merrily We Roll Along from London’s West End on screen.
1/4-5 — Fame High and Documentary Master Class from Academy Award winner, Scott Kennedy.
1/19-20 — The Habit of Art from National Theatre of London. 1/21-23 — Brad Cumming’s Live Stage Show.
1/30 — Desert Runners special screenings with discussions
(Something to Talk About Series) 1/31 — Oscar Shorts Open!
The Prescott Film Festival has a screening of “Commence- ment” on Sunday 1/26 at 3PM at the Yavapai Performing Arts Center. It’s a family dramedy with a special guest appearance by writer/director Steven Albrezz. The film shows Christa on top of the world as she prepares to give the commencement address for her graduating class, but in the next 24 hours she plummets from on top of the world to the gutter-like bottom, where life’s real education begins. Stay around for an infor- mative Q&A with Mr. Albrezz after the screening. Also, check: PrescottFilmFestival.com for more January happenings!
| Bob Reynolds knows his popcorn seasoning from his popcorn butter. bob699669@hotmail.com
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