Austin is a unique and exciting city for cinema, and as such there’s lots of films and cinema-related events to choose from. These weekly posts will cut through the mainstream releases to highlight the Top 5 cinematic events to check out each month.
1.) Vertigo in 70mm!
After recently usurping Citizen Kane for the top spot in Sight & Sound’s Critic Poll of the greatest films ever made, Alfred Hitchcock’s dark masterpiece comes to the Alamo Ritz in a glorious 70mm print for two days only. Seeing films in 70mm these days is a treat enough as is, but Hitchcock’s use of the format in this film is beyond compare. If for no other reason than to watch on the big screen again, this is a rare opportunity that shouldn’t be passed up.
Saturday 2/9 and Sunday 2/10 Tickets
2.) Big Screen Classics: Singin’ in the Rain
The greatest musical film ever made returns to the big screen in a pristine restoration this weekend. If you love this film as much as I do, dance your happy butt to the Alamo Lake Creek to relive pure magic. If you haven’t seen this film yet, what are you waiting for?! Big Screen Classics continues to give fans and newcomers opportunities to see some of the best films ever made, and the Alamo Drafthouse’s dedication to presentation always impresses.
Saturday 2/9 and Sunday 2/10 Tickets
3.) Action Pack Sing-a-long: Moulin Rouge
Speaking of popular musicals, Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 trash jukebox musical returns to the big screen on three different Alamo Drafthouse locations. While not a great classic of cinema by any stretch, the passionate fanbase has remained strong through the years and a sing-a-long is the perfect way to celebrate the film’s completely bonkers sensibilities. A Valentines tradition at the Alamo, it’s the perfect chance to fall in love and have your heart broken all over again. You know, if that’s your thing.
2/8, 2/9, 2/10, and 2/14 Tickets
4.) Argo returns to theatres
Right now, if you follow awards season, you probably agree that the safe money is on Argo to win Best Picture. Warner Bros knows that the film has to maintain buzz and momentum for another three weeks if they want their film to go the distance, and a theatrical re-release two weeks before the film hit blu-ray and dvd is the perfect move for them. More importantly, it’s a great chance to catch up with or revisit one of the best films of 2012. I wrote at the end of the year that Argo was a masterclass in editing and suspenseful direction, and that it does just about everything right. Deeply funny, thrilling, and satisfying, it would be a shame to miss out on your last chance to see it in theatres.
2/6 through 2/14 Tickets
5.) Side Effects opens wide
With Steven Soderbergh allegedly retiring from filmmaking this year, now’s the time to see what looks to be his final theatrical feature, at least for the time being. A twisty, gnarly thriller about pharmaceutical corruption, the film displays all of Soderbergh’s usual craft, with style to spare.
Opens 2/8 Tickets
What will you be watching this week?
