Just the things going on on Monday are worth at least perusing this column but with everyone from Gary Busey to Jean Seberg to Monica Vitti to aerodynamic soccer on offer, “something for everyone” is the best way to describe what is up.
Monday
Kicking off the week we have 2 classics: the inimitable, incomparable, undeniable The Apartment which merges the genius of Billy Wilder with the impeccable comic timing of Jack Lemmon and Shirley McLaine’s coltish vulnerability to understated yet amazing effect is playing on the Screen on The Green. I know people who are going on first dates to this tonight. I think it is a good (read: great) omen.
Did you see how many words of awe I squeeze into that one sentence?
I wish I could have squeezed more, the movie IS that good.
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if you really need something else, the Bette Davis bonanza over at National Theatre is reaching its penultimate week with Mr. Skeffington
Tuesday
The surf movie Tuesdays continue at The Library of Congress which brings us “Big Wednesday” the movie John Milius directed fresh off of the success of writing “Apocalypse Now”
Big Wednesday celebrates surfing as much as the most dedicated kid who ever waxed a board. And its more: a fascinating 1962-1974 chronicle of friendships and lifestyles in transition.
John Milius (Apocalypse Now, Red Dawn) directs and co-scripts, investing Big Wednesday with his own passion for the ultimate ride and a truthful feel for those turbulent times.
Stars Jan-Micheal Vincent and William Katt are accomplished surfers; co-lead Gary Busey (!!!!!!!!) learned for the role. And the sensational cinematography drops you inside some awesome barrels. Worth seeing again and again
Wednesday
During the Wednesday itself Psychotronic Film Society returns with this:
Dracula’s Dog @ Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse
The Always regaling synopsis as follows:
First of all, Dracula wasn’t that tough after all. He took it out on a dog. So Dracula bites the dust and the dog survives. He’s now a super vampire dog with beautiful white fangs and he’s looking for a new master. With one surviving Dracula servant, the demon dog sets off to find his new master in the United States. Mercy me, there’s a vampire dog on the loose and he’s using his underworld powers to knock over trashcans and to pimp out smaller dogs with his mesmerizing hypnotic stare!
Thursday
At this point, we are starting to reach the newer James Bond movies during the Capitol Plaza series: this week, it is 1985′S “A view to A Kill”. Enjoy some Duran Duran in preparation:
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a surprise at the LoC. No, really.
Friday
I always think it is a bit of a shame how many great free movies play on Friday nights because the general population of DC (myself included) seems to prefer to drink themselves into oblivion on that night. If you decide to do something different go to these:
The “Afghanistan on Film” series continues over your lunch break at the National Gallery of Art while at night you can pick and choose between the very awesome Shaolin Soccer @ Freer Sackler
and Kill!(Kill Kill) @ Library of Congress featuring Jean Seberg (directed by her husband Romain Gary, which, if you’ve seen any Roge Vadim movies you know, is a recipe for disaster), international intrigue and general over-the-topness
Saturday
Which brings us safely into Saturday where you can enjoy the truly excellent Beauty Academy of Kabul at noon at the National Gallery of Art.
and then simply stay just a little bit longer (go look at those Rauschenbergs and Ellsworth Kellys in the East Wing you’ve always been meaning to see) for a screening of Josef Von Sternberg’s Underworld (with Alloy Orchestra performing the new score for the classic silent caper live and just for you). Make a day out of it.
Sunday
Catch up time:
Missed “Shaolin soccer” on Friday? Fear not
Missed “L’Avventura” last week? Fear not.
Now, go and actually use this.
