Film Descriptions
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Now playing at Regent Square Theater
Broken Embraces
"Grave and effervescent, tender and cruel." – NYTimes.
Watch a trailer.
For his 17th feature film, Pedro Almodóvar again places his muse, Penelope Cruz, at the heart of the story. The maestro brings his signature visual brilliance to his newest tale of deception, jealousy and betrayal. The labyrinthine plot begins with Harry Caine (Lluis Homar, Bad Education) a blind screenwriter and former movie director whose real name – which he dropped after losing his sight in a car crash – is Mateo Blanco. We then journey between the past and present, learning stories from differing viewpoints. While there are references to previous Almodóvar films, cinematic homages abound including Kiss of Death, Voyage to Italy, The Third Man and of course, the original Kane. A superb soundtrack by Alberto Iglesias features tracks by Uffie and Cat Power. With subtitles. (Pedro Almodóvar; Spain; 2009; 127 min)
opens February 5 at Harris Theater
La Danse: The Paris Opera Ballet
"Magnificent ... offers us the extraordinary experience of watching the burning commitment to perfection." – Village Voice. Watch a trailer.
Documentary master Frederick Wiseman turns his attention to one of the world's greatest ballet companies. In this, his 38th film, he allows us to voyeur behind the scenes at the Paris Opera Ballet. His camera roams the opulent 19th-century Palais Garnier, from its crystal chandelier-laden corridors to its labyrinthine underground chambers; from its light-filled rehearsal studios to its luxurious theater replete with 2200 velvet seats and Marc Chagall ceiling. As we watch impossibly beautiful men and women rehearsing, we are reminded that a dancer's life ends at 40. La Danse serves up a scrumptious meal of delectable moments, one more glorious than the next, made even more precious by their ephemeral nature. In English and French with subtitles. Digital projection. (Frederick Wiseman; France/ USA; 2009; 158 min)
Presented in collaboration with Pittsburgh Ballet Theater and WQED 89.3 FM.
Feb 9 at Melwood Screening Room
Film Kitchen
The monthly series highlights regional, independent film and video work. This month features Brian Staszel, Andrew Batista and Drew Dammron.
Reception at 7:00; films at 8:00. Admission: $5. Sponsored in part by DH Creative.
Feb 12–18 at Regent Square Theater
Mine
Hailed as "Oscar material" and "the best movie at SXSW," this compelling documentary explores the bond between humans and animals, set against the backdrop of one of the worst natural disasters in modern U.S. history: Hurricane Katrina. This gripping, character-driven story follows New Orleans residents as they attempt the daunting task of trying to reunite with their pets who have been adopted by families all over the country, and chronicles the custody battles that arise when two families love the same pet. Who determines the fate of the animals—and the people—involved? Ultimately Mine is a meditation on race, class and the power of compassion. Digital projection. (Geralyn Pezanoski; USA; 2009; 81 min)
Sun Feb 14 at Regent Square Theater
Two English Girls – new print
"One of Truffaut's most tantalizing romances... the film is simultaneously introspective and passionate." – Time Out Film Guide
This beautiful Truffaut film, though among his least known, is a bittersweet love story about the affection a handsome young Frenchman has for two English sisters. But the consummation of romantic feelings is frustrated by turn-of-the-century customs, distance, and a pair of strong-willed mothers. In English and French with subtitles. (François Truffaut; France; 1971; 108 min)
Part one of three in our February Sunday Night series: Love Hurts. While much of film history presents the splendor of romance, it has also given us some memorable broken hearts. Celebrate this traditionally syrupy month with three great films that show us that love, in fact, is difficult.
Feb 18 at Melwood Screening Room
The Exorcist – director's cut
With its supernatural theme and remarkable special effects, this horror film remains one of the scariest movies of all time – one in a cycle of "demonic child" movies from the early 1970s. Unforgettable performances by Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, and Linda Blair. (William Friedkin; USA; 1973; 132 min)
Co-presented with PittArts; a reception follows the screening. Informal discussion of the film will be led by Darrell Knopp, minister at McKeesport Presbyterian Church.
Feb 19–25 at Regent Square Theater
Oscar-nominated Short Films
Separate programs of the five live-action and the five animated short features. Digital projection.
The nominees for the 82nd Academy Awards announced Tuesday, February 2 were as follows.
Animated short films: "French Roast," "Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty," "The Lady and the Reaper," "Logorama," "A Matter of Loaf and Death."
Live action short films: "The Door," "Instead of Abracadabra," "Kavi," "Miracle Fish," "The New Tenants."
Feb 19–25 at Harris Theater
Precious: Based on the novel 'Push' by Sapphire
Sure to be nominated for a Best Picture Oscar, this film premiered locally at the 2009 Three Rivers Film Festival. Presented with support from Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.
Set in Harlem in 1987, it is the story of Claireece "Precious" Jones, a 16-year-old girl born into a life of abuse. Though school is a place of chaos, a patient teacher helps her to begin a journey that will lead her from darkness, pain and powerlessness to self-determination. A courageous and uncompromising work, it features unforgettable performances by Mo'Nique (who won a Golden Globe award for her role), Sherri Shepherd, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz and outstanding newcomer Gabourey Sidibe in the title role. (Lee Daniels; USA; 2009; 109 min)
Presented in collaboration with Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and August Wilson Center for African American Culture.
Sun Feb 21 at Regent Square Theater
Nights of Cabiria
One of Fellini's greatest achievements, Cabiria stars his wife, Giulietta Masina, as a naïve streetwalker searching for true love in the seediest sections of Rome. "The star's prize-winning, heartbreaking performance, the story's allegorical resonance and Fellini's sweeping, soulful vision of a Roman prostitute's resilient humanity mark Cabiria as a cinematic masterpiece. – Janet Maslin, NYTimes. With subtitles. (Federico Fellini; Italy; 1957; 110 min)
Part three of three in our February Sunday Night series: Love Hurts. While much of film history presents the splendor of romance, it has also given us some memorable broken hearts. Celebrate this traditionally syrupy month with three great films that show us that love, in fact, is difficult.
Opens Feb 26 at Regent Square Theater
The White Ribbon
"Luminous and painterly" – TIME Magazine.
Winner of the Golden Globe for Best Foreign-Language Film. Watch a trailer.
Michael Haneke (Caché) won the Palme d'Or at Cannes 2009 for this breathtaking drama set in a small German village on the eve of World War I. In it, a number of unexplained accidents beset the schoolchildren and their parents. Though they at first appear coincidental, it seems in fact, they are not accidents at all. Filmed in ravishing black-and-white, the film grows more suspenseful while looking at the destructive elements of a cloistered community. With subtitles. (Michael Haneke; Germany/Austria; 2009; 145 min)
Feb 26 – Mar 4 at Harris Theater
Oscar-nominated Short Films
Separate programs of the five live-action and the five animated short features. Digital projection.
The nominees for the 82nd Academy Awards announced Tuesday, February 2 were as follows.
Animated short films: "French Roast," "Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty," "The Lady and the Reaper," "Logorama," "A Matter of Loaf and Death."
Live action short films: "The Door," "Instead of Abracadabra," "Kavi," "Miracle Fish," "The New Tenants."
Feb 26-28 at Melwood Screening Room
Visual Acoustics
Watch a trailer.
Narrated by Dustin Hoffman, Visual Acoustics celebrates the life and career of Julius Shulman, the world's greatest architectural photographer, who died in July at the age of 98. His images brought modern architecture to the American mainstream and captured the work of nearly every modern and progressive architect since the 1930s including Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry. His images epitomized the singular beauty of Southern California's modernist movement and brought its iconic structures to the attention of the general public. This beautiful film is both a testament to the evolution of modern architecture and a joyful portrait of the magnetic, whip-smart gentleman who chronicled it with his unforgettable images. (Eric Bricker; 2008; US; 83 min)
Sun Feb 28 at Regent Square Theater
Summertime
Venice, "the wondrous city of spectacles and moods becomes a rich and exciting organism." – NYTimes
An American spinster's dream of romance finally becomes a bittersweet reality when she meets a handsome—but married—Italian man while vacationing in Venice. Katharine Hepburn's sensitive portrayal of the lonely heroine and Jack Hildyard's glorious Technicolor photography make Summertime an endearing and visually enchanting film. (David Lean; UK/USA; 1955; 100 min)
Part three of three in our February Sunday Night series: Love Hurts. While much of film history presents the splendor of romance, it has also given us some memorable broken hearts. Celebrate this traditionally syrupy month with three great films that show us that love, in fact, is difficult.
Sat & Sun Mar 6–7 at Regent Square Theater
The Secret of Kelis
Matinee sneak preview screenings. This film is scheduled to return in April, but here's a sneak prior to the Oscars broadcast!
Think this Oscar-nominated film doesn't stand a chance against Disney and Pixar? Think again! The animated masterpiece from the producers of Triplets
of Belleville and Kirikou and the Sorceress is one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year! Watch a trailer.
Magic, fantasy and Celtic mythology come together in a riot of color and dazzling details in a sweeping story about the power of imagination and
faith to carry humanity through dark times. Young Brendan lives in a remote medieval outpost under siege from barbarian raids. One day a celebrated
master illuminator arrives from foreign lands carrying an ancient but unfinished book, brimming with secret wisdom and powers. To help complete the
book, Brendan must embark on a dangerous quest through an enchanted forest. Features the voice of Brendan Gleeson. In English. (Tomm Moore &
Nora Twomey; Ireland/France/Belgium; 2009; 78 min)