Probably the best indie theater in the Boston area, the Brattle is something I all too often take for granted. Their always-shifting 'one-film-per-day-or-two' schedule allows for tons of great movies every month, but it also means you'd better damn well pay attention or you'll miss somethin' special. Too many times I've opened to the calendar, thought "Oooo, I'd love to see that", and quickly followed with an "Argh! That was last night!".
For years, whenever the schedule arrives in the mail, I've circled the personal highlights and posted it on our bulletin board... which of course means I'd rarely look at it. Well, no more. From here on out, the good stuff goes on the blog for easy access. Yesterday the September/October calendar showed up, so here goes...
Sept. 14th & 15th : Sunset Blvd. - Yes, I know who Norma Desmond is, and yet I've never seen this film. With a newly restored print, it may be time to rectify that.
Sept. 19th & 20th : The Man With No Name Trilogy - As if I have to tell you, Sergio Leone directs Clint Eastwood in three of the all-time best westerns (The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly, Fistfull of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More). All new 35mm prints, and an extended cut of "The Good...". It's been years since I've seen them, and never on the big screen.
Sept. 24th : Northfork - I've heard the good word on this atmospheric new movie from the Polish Brothers, who directed and wrote Twin Falls Idaho. It's playing elsewhere in town, but I like to spend at the Brattle when I can.
Oct. 3rd & 4th : To Catch a Thief - Another classic I've completely missed out on. Hitchcock directs Cary Grant and Grace Kelly on the French Riveira in Edith Head costuming. What's not to love about that?
Oct. 15th : Versus - Gangsters, zombies, kung-fu madness, gore galore... the kind of stuff that deserves to be seen in a theater, not on a DVD. I missed this one when it screened last month, and I don't plan to make that mistake again.
Oct. 17th - Oct. 23rd : 1st Annual Boston Fantastic Film Festival - Whoa. Now this sounds right up my alley. A new festival featuring "the best horror, science fiction, fantasy, and cult films from across the country and around the world (as well as the occasional thriller, action epic, or dark comedy)." My goodness. Can't wait to find out the full lineup. Here's the official press release at co-organizer Steven Jay Schneider's website, and be sure to keep an eye on the Brattle page for updates.
