New York City may get all the new releases first, but there’s a lot more to the film culture here than just what’s in the mainstream theaters! Every week we bring you the top 5 cinematic events to check out.
1. The We and the I (IFC Center)
Plenty of filmmakers have tried to articulate the high school experience with real-life students, but those folks aren’t Michel Gondry. The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind director literally rides the bus with a group of Bronx teens into summertime. I’m curious to see how he presents the mundanities and psychodramas of adolescence! While there are five or more screenings daily, Gondry will be there in-person on the 8th. (Friday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m.)
2. Joan Crawford: Dancing Lady and Home Movies (Film Forum)
If all you know of Joan Crawford is Faye Dunaway screaming, “No wire hangers!”, then check out this mini-retrospective into the dancer and actress’ career. Crawford’s grandson Casey LaLonde will introduce Dancing Lady, the 1933 musical also starring Clark Gable and Fred Astaire. As a special treat, Casey — who has talked about his grandmother on Crawford’s official website as well — will share some of Crawford’s home movies from the 1940s. (Wednesday, March 6 at 8:30 p.m.)
3. Beats on Film (Anthology Film Archives)
In conjunction with NYU’s Grey Art Gallery exhibition Beat Memories: The Photographs of Allen Ginsberg, AFA presents several short films and footage from the Beats’ adventures. The two shorts — This Song for Jack and Wholly Communion — include footage from conferences and meetings of American and English Beat poets. It’s a good way to brush up on your Beat culture before seeing Daniel Radcliffe’s take on Ginsberg in Kill Your Darlings later this year. (Saturday, March 9 at 7:15 p.m.)
4. My Brooklyn (reRun Gastropub Theater)
Agree with/disagree with/benefit from gentrification? Sometime in the next week or so, mosey on down to the reRun Gastropub Theater in DUMBO to catch Kelly Anderson and Allison Lirish Dean’s documentary that “unmask[s] the takeover of America’s hippest city.” (Fri-Thurs, March 8-15 at various times)
5. Space Jam (Landmark Sunshine Cinema)
Yes. Michael Jordan’s questionable foray into acting is the Sunshine Cinema’s midnight showing of the week. The official Space Jam website is still functional, so why shouldn’t we revisit this goofy — but also strangely scary — kids’ movie? Bonus points if you still remember the words to “Space Jam” and “I Believe I Can Fly” and sing along. (Fri-Sat, March 8-9 at midnight)
