Thu., December 11
The Garment Jungle A dramatic exposé of union
corruption in the garment business from director Robert Aldrich (88
min., 1957). (PFA, 6:30)
The Killing of Sister George Robert Aldrich directed this
then-daring 1968 drama of lesbianism based on Frank Marcus’ play. Beryl
Reid, Susannah York, Ronald Fraser, and Coral Browne star (138 min.).
(PFA, 8:20)
Thrillville’s Feliz Navidad Fiesta A screening of The
Robot vs the Aztec Mummy (1957), plus rare vintage Latin jazz
musical shorts and a performance by local samba-surf band Carne Cruda
(EC, 9:15)
Fri., December 12
Tokyo Drifter A lesson in how to dress up a fairly routine
crime story until it practically boils over with personality. Director
Seijun Suzuki, utilizing some of art director Takeo Kimura’s most
outrageous sets, trumps up a story of a sentimental young good (Tetsuya
Watari) on the run from his violent destiny. Or is he just embarrassed
by his white shoes and powder-blue suit? The lighting is wildly
anti-naturalistic, the action scenes choreographed down to the rhythmic
falling of bodies, and fights are interrupted so that Watari can warble
the film’s hit song, “Tokyo Nagaremono.” What more could you ask?
Chieko Matsubara costars as the hero’s nightclub singer girlfriend. A
doozy (89 min., 1966). — K.V. (PFA, 6:30)
Violence at Noon Nagisa Oshima’s 1966 portrait of a rapist
and two women whose lives have been affected by his crimes — his
wife and one of his victims. Their despair is linked to the rapist
himself and the failure of the socialist movement in immediate postwar
Japan (99 min.). (PFA, 8:20)
Sat., December 13
The Moment of Truth A peasant from the Spanish countryside
finds escape from drudgery by becoming one of Spain’s greatest
matadors. Money, women, fast cars are all his … as is death on the
horns of dying bull. Directed by Francesco Rosi. Written by Rosi and
Antonio Cervi. With Miguel Mateo Miguelin (on of Spain’s best
matadors), Jose Gomez Sevillano, and Linda Christian (110 min., 1965).
(PFA, 6:30)
Ulzana’s Raid The conventional drama of Indian-wise old scout
(Burt Lancaster) and young officer with a lot to learn (Bruce Davison),
clashing over how to deal with renegade Apaches, is given a superior
treatment by director Robert Aldrich. Aldrich’s characters receive
condemnation or praise purely as a matter of circumstance — they
come to understand cruelty and violence as few are ever allowed (or
forced) to. The issues, as Lancaster notes, get kind of confused
— but the directorial viewpoint is clear (103 min., 1972). (PFA,
8:40)
A Christmas Story Nostalgic holiday yarn about a boy in Gary,
Indiana and his fervent hope he’ll get a BB gun for Christmas. Directed
by Bob Clark from a story by Jean Shepherd, with Darren McGavin,
Melinda Dillon, and Peter Billingsley as Ralphie (93 min., 1983). (V,
noon)
Sun., December 14
A Last Note A treatise on life, aging, the eternal artistic
process, and dignity in commune with the natural world. Japanese
director Kaneto Shindo’s last film, made at the age of 82 (112 min.,
1995). (PFA, 2:00)
Where Spring Comes Late A Japanese family journeys from its
home in sunny western Japan to a new one in wintry Hokkaido, where it
plans to start anew (106 min., 1970). (PFA, 4:15)
Sandra Italian director Luchino Visconti’s 1965 film takes on
a family splintered by unspoken secrets and incestuous passions (100
min.). (PFA, 6:30)
The Wizard of Oz Unforgettable children’s classic with young
Judy Garland skipping out on dull old Kansas for the fantasy world of
Oz, which lies just “Over the Rainbow.” With the rest of Yellow Brick
Road crew: Frank Morgan, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Billie Burke, Ray
Bolger, Margaret Hamilton, Clara Blandick, Charley Grapewin, and the
Singer Midgets. Wonderful score by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg. From
L. Frank Baum’s story. Victor Fleming directs beautifully. In color
(101 min., 1939). — M.C. (EC, 2:00)
Independent Local Films One feature and two ten-minute shorts
from local directors Ryan Harper, Rachel McGraw, and Alan Dunkel.
Filmmakers in person. (Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum & Edison
Theater, Fremont, 3:00)
Tue., December 16
Twilight’s Last Gleaming Bold political statements, antiwar
messages, and suggestions of conspiracy run through Robert Aldrich’s
post-Vietnam film (144 min., 1977). (PFA, 7:30)
Wed., December 17
Intentions of Murder A submissive woman — living and
working in the home of her husband, who treats her like a serf —
develops a bizarre relationship with the man who brutally rapes her.
Directed by Shohei Imamura (150 min., 1964). (PFA, 7:00)
