Friday, December 15, 2017

35mm Film Screenings in LA not named Star Wars


That movie that just came out isn’t the movie you’re looking for. The movie you want to see is in 35mm. You can go about your business.

Ignore that thing that just came out! Here we’re in the business of 35mm film screenings in LA! (Reluctantly including a smattering of retro digital screenings.)  

Side note, that “big film” was shot on 35mm and some scenes 70mm IMAX but sadly is not (yet) being screened in 35mm (or 70mm IMAX) any closer than San Jose.! (70mm IMAX in San Jose, and I’m unaware of a single 35mm option.) But don’t drive to San Jose, because JJ scans it in at 2k anyway, so it loses the IMAX resolution and doesn’t look that great scanned back out on a computer onto film, or at least is not as beautiful and essential as the Nolan ones.

Anyway, that isn’t the movie you’re looking for! Let’s go about your real (reel?) business:

This is just what's on my personal radar. You can browse the LA Film Calendars links on my side bar to find even more!  → → →

On mobile displays, you may need to click "Desktop Version" at bottom and then you can see the sidebar.

Sometimes these choices are tonight, FYI, and not necessarily listed first.

New Beverly
The Maltese Falcon (1941, John Huston)
and
The Black Bird (1975, David Giler)
Sun. Dec. 17 6:30 pm/8:40pm
Mon Dec. 18 7:30 pm/9:40pm
The Maltese Falcon is basically a perfect movie to me. It’s Bogie at his best, and a knife to the heart cuts unexpectedly deep in what is not your average film noir, from the novel by the greatest hard-boiled writer Dashiell Hammett. Mary Astor will melt you, plus Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet and Elisha Cook Jr. will blow you away with the best character-actor performances ever! Plus we get to see the spoof The Black Bird with George Segal and awesome French star Stéphane Audran (and Elisha Cook Jr. again) by just staying in our seats after the first film, no extra charge. Both 35mm!

Egyptian Theatre
Lawrence of Arabia (1962, David Lean) in 70mm!
Fri. (tonight!) Dec. 15 7:30 pm
Sat. Dec. 16 7:30 pm
Sun. Dec. 17 7:30 pm
As actual film gets harder to see projected, it should be a treat to see this in 70mm if you haven’t already seen it 10 times before..! Which some may have. Do it justice and see this film that was shot in 70mm projected on 70mm in a brand-new print on one of the biggest, best screens in LA. It’s a wide sweeping tale with ramifications about politics and the formation of governments that should intrigue even today. This will also show Dec. 28, 29, and 30 at 7:30 pm.

UCLA Film & TV Archive
Night and the City (1950, Jules Dassin) Nitrate 35mm print!
Sat. Dec. 16 7:30 pm
Jules Dassin is awesome! My favorite of his is really Thieves’ Highway, but Criterion likes this one a lot, so check out this amazing London-set film noir starring Richard Widmark, Gene Tierney and more! This is a nitrate 35mm film print, which is the highly flammable earlier iteration of film prints (and why so many films are lost, they burned up!) but which looks sooo much better, as the extra silver nitrate adds more sparkle to the luminous black and white photography (here by Max Greene). Additionally, as if that wasn’t rare enough, they are showing the British release version of the film which runs six minutes longer than the U.S. release and features alternate opening and closing scenes as well as different score by composer Benjamin Frankel. Plus there is a nitrate newsreel “News of the Day” and a nitrate short.

LACMA
Ride the Pink Horse (1947, Robert Montgomery)
Tue. Dec. 19 1:00 pm
The lovely rare screenings of film noir 35mm prints at LACMA’s Tuesday matinees continues this week with a fairly good one from Robert Montgomery. There is some stupendous stuff in this one, including, pay attention, the opening shot is one of those super-long unbroken takes. I didn’t notice the first time I saw it, because it works so seamlessly with the action that transpires. So watch how long the opening shot takes to cut. There are some great characterizations in this film by Montgomery especially, and also Wanda Hendrix, Andrea King, and Thomas Gomez. I feel like it doesn’t coalesce into the tightest of all film noirs by the end, but it’s pretty damn good. Definitely something to try to see in a theater on the big screen.

New Beverly
Victor/Victoria (1982, Blake Edwards)
and
Murphy’s Romance (1985, Martin Ritt)
Fri. (tonight!) Dec. 15 6:30 pm/9:15 pm
Sat. Dec. 16 6:30 pm/9:15 pm
More James Garner stuff, little mini-festival going on I guess..! This is purely on my radar because I never saw these, and seeing stuff like this in 35mm on the big screen at the New Bev is the best way to check out anything you previously overlooked. Martin Ritt has directed great films elsewhere, not sure he holds the same appeal into the ’80s, but I’d give it a look. The Victor/Victoria one sounds more fun, as a musical comedy of fake female impersonation. I don’t know, it may still suck. These are the films that were aimed at my parents when I was growing up, so not too sure!

Egyptian Theatre
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946, Frank Capra)
Thur. Dec. 21 7:30 pm
Fri. Dec. 22 7:30 pm
It’s the biggest, best screen you can see this essential classic, heartwarming film on. Albeit DCP, this is a worthy outing. This is such a sublime example of filmmaking that exceeds the already awesome trappings of classic Hollywood cinema to become even more iconic and enduring – and so moving upon first viewing. It doesn’t have to be classic to recommend it, it’s just so good!

Aero Theatre
A Star is Born (1954, George Cukor)
Fri. (tonight!) Dec. 15 7:30 pm
This is such a stunningly beautiful film on a big screen. It’s DCP and I so wish it was on film, but it should still look luminous. Especially if it’s in its correct super-wide 2.55:1 aspect ratio! It’s such a moving film as well. I used to rarely like musicals that had little or no dancing until I saw this one, which tugs at the emotions very effectively. I’m doing an awful job describing this film! Guess it’s been a while, but it’s essential to me.

The Academy
Miracle on 34th Street (1947, George Seaton)
Tue. Dec. 19 7:00 pm
I don’t really think I would like this movie, but it’s a new 35mm print, and that’s special. Am I a Grinch? I guess so! But this is on one of the biggest, best screens in Los Angeles (the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater), for a bargain 5 bucks! And Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, and Edmund Gwenn are no slouches as actors. Definitely go if you like (or would like) this movie. Plus enjoy holiday cookies and pictures with Santa after the screening. Are you kidding?! What an event!

Aero Theatre
The Sound of Music (1965, Robert Wise)
Sat. Dec. 16 7:30 pm
This isn’t really on my radar, but it seems to draw an audience always, so this is just a public service announcement that this famous Rodgers and Hammerstein film is playing near you. Albeit on DCP. But a nice big screen.

Aero Theatre
White Christmas (1954, Michael Curtiz)
and
Holiday Inn (1942, Mark Sandrich)
Sun. Dec. 17 7:30 pm
The convenience of DCP I guess makes this holiday treat possible. Treat or terror?! I don’t know because I haven’t seen either of these. (Your friendly neighborhood cinephile Grinch here.) But it should be a great way to see these heartwarming classics on the big screen for the holidays if you choose to.

Aero Theatre
Bad Santa (2003, Terry Zwigoff)
and
Trading Places (1983, John Landis)
Thur. Dec. 21 7:30 pm
This double feature is far more pleasing to your neighborhood cinephile Grinch! I’d watch these. Again, they are DCP, but this is a nice, big screen and these are some fun films. See Eddie Murphy at his best and there's a lot to love about the dark comedic edge of Bad Santa embodied by Billy Bob Thornton and excellent cast including the late Bernie Mac, Brett Kelly, and Tony Cox.

New Beverly
Reservoir Dogs (1992, Quentin Tarantino)
Fri. (tonight!) Dec. 15 11:59 pm
I rarely bother to point out these Tarantino midnight screenings, since they are almost every week, but, hey, reminder, they are always 35mm, and this one especially is a superb film. It'll have 'em laughing in the aisles! Or was it that it would have audience members running for the exits with heart troubles?  Can't remember! Better watch and find out.


Coming Next Week

Aero Theatre
Cluny Brown (1946, Ernst Lubitsch)
and
Trouble in Paradise (1932, Ernst Lubitsch)
Thur. Dec. 28 7:30 pm
Major highlight here. The great comic director Ernst Lubitsch (he’s more than just comic, a true auteur) on the big screen in one 4k DCP restoration and the other a 35mm print of one of my favorites! The first is with Jennifer Jones and is his last complete film about which I don’t know a lot, haven’t seen it yet. The second is in luminous 35mm, and is an excellent, hilarious film, with Herbert Marshall, Miriam Hopkins (she is always awesome, do not miss her!) and Kay Francis. What a treat buried in the middle of the holidays. You don’t get to see this stuff screened too often anymore.

New Beverly
The Poseidon Adventure (1972, Ronald Neame)
and
Beyond the Poseidon Adventure (1979, Irwin Allen)
Wed. Dec. 27 7:30 pm/10:00 pm
Thur. Dec. 28 7:30 pm/10:00 pm
I loves me some disaster movies! Double dose!? IN 35mm no less, I am excited. All-star casts were the name of the game in the disaster movie heyday with Hackman, Borgnine, Shelley Winters, Roddy McDowall and more. Then in #2 you’ve got Michael Caine, Telly Savalas, Sally Field, Karl Malden, Shirley Jones, Jack Warden, Peter Boyle, Slim Pickens, Mark Harmon. And they’re all gonna die! Yes! This is the type of weird awesome slightly shitty 1970s world I want to pretend to live in at the New Beverly. Oh, the plot? Their boat is upside-down and they’re stuck.

New Beverly
The Hateful 8 (Roadshow Version) (2015, Quentin Tarantino)
Mon. Dec. 25 8:00 pm
No snow in LA? Gobble up generous helpings in this snowbound epic..! It’s the roadshow version, and while shot in 70mm, it’s gonna look just stupendous in 35mm at the New Bev. And the score is to die for (Ennio Morricone).

New Beverly
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946, Frank Capra)
and
A Christmas Story (1983, Bob Clark)
Fri. Dec. 22 6:30pm/9:10pm
Sat. Dec. 23 6:30pm/9:10pm
While there are options below in DCP, leave it to the New Beverly to be the only place you can see these two classics in 35mm on the big screen! The first is such a sublime example of filmmaking that even exceeds the wonderful trappings of classic Hollywood cinema to become something even more iconic and enduring – totally moving from first viewing. And well, if you didn’t grow up watching A Christmas Story I just don’t know you! It’s okay for fun on television at home, but is it worthy of the big screen? See if it holds up.

LACMA
Circle of Danger (1951, Jacques Tourneur)
Tue. Dec. 26 1:00 pm
Another film noir at LACMA in their 1:00 pm Tuesday matinee slot. I don’t know anything about this one, but it’s been a good series so far! They were all 35mm up to now, but this one doesn’t say, so I’m not sure. But it does have Ray Milland and Marius Goring and is about “an American who comes to England to find out the truth behind his brother's death during a commando operation in occupied France.”

New Beverly
Elf (2003, Jon Favreau)
Sat. Dec. 23 2:00 pm
Sun Dec. 24 2:00 pm
Unless you want to see the digital screenings below, this kiddee matinee is the one to see since it’s in 35mm! I haven’t seen the film, but people seem to like it.

New Beverly
Die Hard (1988, John McTiernan)
and
Die Hard 2: Die Harder (1990, Renny Harlin)
Sun. Dec. 24 6:30pm/9:15 pm
What better way to spend Christmas Eve than watching the first two Die Hards in 35mm?! It’s the New Bev again with the inside track on the best way to experience it. First film is sold out already, but a standby line the night of the event. Or you can still get tickets for just the sequel I guess.

Aero Theatre
Elf (2003, Jon Favreau)
Fri. Dec. 22 7:30 pm
You’ve heard people rave, now go see for yourself. I can’t comment, still haven’t seen it yet! Maybe I’ll be there?? (This screening DCP.)

Egyptian Theatre
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946, Frank Capra)
Fri. Dec. 22 7:30 pm
It’s the biggest, best screen you can see this essential classic, heartwarming film on (oops, except check New Bev for a 35mm screening). Albeit DCP, this is a worthy outing. This is such a sublime example of filmmaking that even exceeds the wonderful trappings of classic Hollywood cinema to become even more iconic and enduring –totally moving from first viewing. It doesn’t have to be classic to recommend it, it’s just that good!

Aero Theatre
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946, Frank Capra)
Sat. Dec.  23 4:00 pm and 7:30 pm
Guys, there's a lot of originality in the screening selections this month. This time at the Aero, it’s the West side’s biggest, best screen you can see this essential classic, heartwarming film on. Albeit DCP, this is a worthy outing. This is such a sublime example of filmmaking that even exceeds the wonderful trappings of classic Hollywood cinema to become something even more iconic and enduring –totally moving from first viewing. It doesn’t have to be classic to recommend it, it’s just that good!

Egyptian Theatre
Jingle All the Way (1996, Brian Levant) Brian Levant in person!
and
Die Hard (1988, John McTiernan)
Sat. Dec. 23 7:30 pm
I don’t know why you’d want to do this to yourself, but here it is! Finally Jingle All the Way on the big screen with the director in person. Can you believe it? And for good measure, watch fricking Die Hard right after on the Egyptian’s huge screen. Best way to see what may be the most diabolically concocted double feature ever. Load up on egg nog but not too much so you can sober up by the time Die Hard starts maybe. (This screening DCP.)

Egyptian Theatre
Lawrence of Arabia (1962, David Lean) in 70mm!
Thur. Dec. 28 7:30 pm
Fri. Dec. 29 7:30 pm
Sat. Dec. 30 7:30 pm
Ye olde holiday favorite is back again already after last week. As actual film gets harder to see projected, it should be a treat to see this in 70mm if you haven’t already seen it like 10 times before..! Which some may have. Do it justice and see this film that was shot in 70mm projected on 70mm in a brand-new print on one of the biggest, best screens in LA. It’s a wide sweeping tale with ramifications about politics and the formation of governments that should intrigue even today.

New Beverly
Reservoir Dogs (1992, Quentin Tarantino)
Fri. Dec. 22 11:59 pm
I know I rarely bother to point out these Tarantino midnight screenings, since they are almost every week, but, hey, reminder, they are always 35mm, and this one especially is a superb film. It'll have 'em laughing in the aisles! Or was it that it would have audience members running for the exits with heart troubles?  Can't remember! Better watch and find out.