City Guide
June Films
Everyone's a Critic: arborweb's culture blog
“Altmanerisms.” Screenings of Robert Altman films in conjunction with this symposium (see 7 Friday Events listing). FREE. 764-0147. Angell Hall Auditorium A (except June 8), different times.
June 7: “Secret Honor” (Robert Altman, 1984). A fictionalized Richard Nixon dictates a stream-of-consciousness memoir into a tape recorder. Also, a screening of Tanner ’88, Altman’s 1988 political mockumentary about a fictional congressman’s bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. 5 p.m.
June 8: “Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean” (see Cinetopia listing below).
June 9: “Nashville” (Robert Altman, 1975). Sweeping satirical take on the country music industry. Ned Beatty, Keith Carradine, Ronee Blakley, Shelley Duvall, Geraldine Chaplin, Scott Glenn. 12:30 p.m.
Ann Arbor District Library. FREE. 327-4555. AADL multipurpose room (lower level), 343 S. Fifth Ave.
June 6: “Room 237” (Rodney Ascher, 2012). Acclaimed documentary about the hidden meanings its fans and scholars believe they have found in Stanley Kubrick’s horror classic The Shining. The film is introduced by one of the scholars featured in the film, Albion College history professor Geoffrey Cocks, author of The Wolf at the Door: Stanley Kubrick, History. Q&A. 6-8:30 p.m.
Ann Arbor Senior Center. 794-6250. 1320 Baldwin.
Every Mon.:“Movie Matinee,” with films TBA. FREE. 12:30-3 p.m.
Center of Light “Conscious Movie Night.” FREE. 864-2017. Center of Light, 200 Huronview Blvd. (off N. Main), 8 p.m.
June 21: “Occupy Love” (Velcrow Ripper, 2012). Documentary about various love stories unfolding in the midst of revolutionary movements, from Tahrir Square to Occupy Wall Street.
Cinetopia May 31-June 3. This 2nd annual Michigan Theater film festival features around 43 films screened over 4 days at 4 venues (Michigan Theater, State Theater, Angell Hall, and the Detroit Institute of the Arts). The films include narrative feature-length films and documentaries that recently premiered at international festivals such as Sundance and Berlin. Also, tributes to filmmaker Robert Altman, screenwriter Jim Burnstein, and silent film actress Mary Pickford. Tickets $12 (Michigan Theater and Detroit Institute of Arts members, $9; June 8 D3: The Mighty Ducks screening, $5; Mogul pass, $500); book of 10 tickets, $108 (members, $81) in advance at ticketweb.com and the Michigan Theater, and at the door. For DIA schedule, see cinetopiafestival.org.
June 6:
At the Michigan Theater: An opening night party (5:30 p.m.) followed at 7:15 p.m. by A Tribute to Ron Asheton Featuring Iggy and the Stooges, the world premiere of a concert film, recorded live at the Michigan Theater in 2011, that features performances by Iggy & the Stooges, Radio Birdman guitarist Deniz Tek, and Black Flag lead singer Henry Rollins. Followed at 9:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. by post-screening parties.
At the State Theater: “Haunter” (Vincenzo Natali, 2013). Thriller about a dead teenager who’s doomed to relive forever the day of her murder in 1985. Abigail Breslin. Also showing on June 8 (see below). 7:45 p.m.
At Angell Hall: “Let My People Go!” (Mikael Buch, 2012). A high-strung Parisian-Jewish mailman living in Paris gets into a fight with his boyfriend over what to do with an undeliverable package stuffed with cash. French & Finnish, subtitles. Also showing on June 9 (see below). 7:45 p.m.
June 7:
At the Michigan Theater: “180 Seconds” (Alexander Giraldo, 2012). A brother-sister hacker duo plan a major robbery for the day of Colombia’s World Cup qualifying match with Uruguay. Spanish, subtitles. 1:30 p.m. “Lasting” (Jacek Borcuch, 2012). A beautiful young Polish couple goes on a scuba outing where something terrible happens to the young man that throws their relationship into chaos. Spanish & Polish, subtitles. 2 p.m. “Sparrows” (William Beaudine, 1926). Silent classic that stars Mary Pickford in a melodramatic thriller about a young girl trying to protect 10 small orphans from a villain who chases them through swamps. With live organ accompaniment. 4 p.m. “Lord Montagu” (Luke Korem, 2013). Documentary about an English lord who kept possession of his 13th-century residence after WWII by opening it up to tourists but became mired in scandal in the 1950s because of his homosexuality. Also showing on June 9 (see below). 4:30 p.m. “Twenty Feet from Stardom” (Morgan Neville, 2012). Documentary about backup singers who never made it big but were part of songs that made others famous. Includes interviews with stars such as Bruce Springsteen and Bette Midler. Also showing on June 9 (see below). 7 p.m. “Body Fat Index of Love” (Mikko Kuparinen, 2012). U.S. premiere of this romantic comedy about a sworn bachelor who falls for a woman who only wants him for sex. Finnish, subtitles. 7:15 p.m. “This Is Martin Bonner” (Chad Hartigan, 2012). Drama about a fifty-something man who leaves behind his life and moves to Reno where he works at a church-based program that helps released prisoners. Also showing on June 8 (see below). 9:30 p.m. “5-25-77” (Patrick Read Johnson, 2007). Drama, inspired by the director’s life, about an alienated teen who dreams of becoming a filmmaker. 9:45 p.m.
At the State Theater: “Commencement” (Steve Albrezzi, 2012). Comedy about a high school valedictorian who undergoes a daunting real-life education in the 24 hours after graduation. Also showing on June 9 (see below). 2 p.m. “Dangerous Liaisons” (Hur Jin-ho, 2012). Beautifully shot drama, set in 1931 Shanghai, about a serial seducer who’s challenged to woo and leave a chaste humanitarian. Chinese, subtitles. Also showing on June 9 (see below). 4:15 p.m. “Material” (Craig Freimond, 2012). Michigan premiere of this comedy, set in South Africa, about an aspiring young comic who manages his father’s fabric shop. 7 p.m. “The Future” (Alicia Scherson, 2012). Drama about an orphaned adolescent who unexpectedly finds solace when she’s thrown into a relationship with an aging B-movie star, a former Mr. Universe. English & Italian, subtitles. 9:30 p.m. “Pieta” (Kim Ki-Duk, 2012). Drama about a cruel loan shark who quits his job after accepting into his life a mysterious woman who claims to be his long-lost mother. Korean, subtitles. 11:45 p.m.
At Angell Hall: “Secret Honor” and “Tanner ’88” (see “Altmanerisms,” above). 5 p.m. “The Revisionaries” (Scott Thurman, 2012). Documentary about political battles in the Texas State Board of Education over teaching creationism in science courses. 8 p.m.
June 8:
At the Michigan Theater: “Dear Mr. Watterson” (Joel Allen Schroeder, 2013). Michigan premiere of this documentary that explores the legacy of reclusive Calvin & Hobbes creator Bill Watterson through the eyes of his fans. 11:15 a.m. “Material” (Craig Freimond, 2012). Comedy, set in South Africa, about an aspiring young comic who manages his father’s fabric shop. 11:30 a.m. “Mary Pickford Shorts Program.” Screening of 8 shorts that feature Pickford, who appeared in an estimated 152 shorts between 1909 and 1912. 1:30 p.m. “Big Sur” (Michael Polish, 2013). Biopic about the episode in Jack Kerouac’s life when, struggling with alcoholism after the success of On the Road, he retreats to the coastal California town of Big Sur. Anthony Edwards & Kate Bosworth. Also showing June 9 (see below). 1:45 p.m. “The Spectacular Now” (James Ponsoldt, 2012). Drama about a popular high school senior and budding alcoholic who’s drawn to an unpopular girl with big dreams and a love of sci-fi. 4:15 p.m. “Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean” (Robert Altman, 1983). Drama, told in flashbacks, about the 1975 reunion of a James Dean fan club in small-town Texas. Stars Cher and Kathy Bates. Part of the “Altmanerisms” symposium (see above and 7 Friday Events listing). 4:30 p.m. “Haunter” See June 6 State Theater listing (above). 7 p.m. “Fill the Void” (Rama Burshtein, 2012). Drama set in Tel Aviv’s ultra-Orthodox Jewish community about an 18-year-old girl who has to decide whether or not to marry her recently deceased sister’s husband. Hebrew, subtitles. 7:15 p.m. “London: The Modern Babylon” (Julien Temple, 2012). An effervescent tour of the city’s past 110 years via interviews with everyone from musicians and historians to charity workers and shopkeepers. 9:30 p.m. “A Hijacking” (Tobias Lindholm, 2012). Drama about a Danish freighter that’s captured by Somali pirates. Danish, subtitles. 9:45 p.m.
At the State Theater: “D3: The Mighty Ducks” (Robert Lieberman, 1996). Third in the Mighty Ducks series of preteen films about the improbable success of a ragtag hockey team. Part of the tribute to screenwriter Jim Burnstein. Noon. “The Painting” (Jean-François Laguionie, 2011). Touching, wonderfully inventive animation about 3 castes of creatures living in a canvas: the fully-painted Alldunns, the unfinished Halfies, and the rough-outlined Sketchies. 2:45 p.m. “Lasting” (Jacek Borcuch, 2012). A beautiful young Polish couple goes on a scuba outing where something terrible happens to the young man that throws their relationship into chaos. Spanish & Polish, subtitles. 5 p.m. “The Source Family” (Jodi Willie, 2013). Documentary about the radical 1970s commune that lived in a Hollywood Hills mansion paid for by the earnings from their successful organic vegetarian restaurant that drew celebrity patrons. 7:15 p.m. “After Tiller” (Martha Shane & Lana Wilson, 2012). Documentary about the only 4 doctors in the U.S. who continue to perform 3rd-trimester abortions since physician George Tiller was killed in 2009. 9:45 p.m. “I Am Divine” (Jeffrey Schwarz, 2013). Documentary about the larger-than-life drag queen who starred in the John Waters cult films Pink Flamingoes and Polyester. 11:45 p.m.
At Angell Hall: “This Is Martin Bonner.” See June 7 Michigan Theater listing (above). 2 p.m. “Pit Stop” (Yen Tan, 2013). Drama about the emotional isolation of gay men living in small-town America. 5 p.m. “Wrong” (Quentin Dupieux, 2012). Bizarre and entrancing comedy about a man who loses his beloved dog and, in his quest to find him, changes the lives of others. Also showing on June 9 (see below). 8 p.m.
June 9:
At the Michigan Theater: “Dangerous Liaisons.” See June 7 State Theater listing (above). Noon. “Blancanieves” (Pablo Berger, 2012). Black & white silent film that situates Snow White in 1920s Spain. Spanish, subtitles. 12:15 p.m. “Purge” (Antti Jokinen, 2012). Drama about Soviet oppression in Estonia told through a sprawling tale of sex trafficking, abuse, and betrayal. Finnish, subtitles. 2:45 p.m. “Ain’t in It for My Health: A Film about Levon Helm” (Jacob Hatley, 2010). Documentary about the musician best known as the drummer and one of the three principal vocalists of The Band. 3 p.m. “Twenty Feet from Stardom” See June 7 Michigan Theater listing (above). 5:45 p.m. “Hannah Arendt” (Margarethe von Trotta, 2012). Biopic about the German-born philosopher who coined the phrase “the banality of evil.” English & German, subtitles. 6 p.m. “The Spectacular Now.” See June 8 Michigan Theater listing (above). 8 p.m. “Big Sur” See June 8 Michigan Theater listing (above). 8:30 p.m.
At the State Theater: “Let My People Go!” See June 6 Angell Hall listing (above). “Wrong.” See June 8 Angell Hall listing (above). 2:15 p.m. “Renaissance Man” (Penny Marshall, 1994). A high-power ad exec fired for bungling a big contract winds up teaching 8 underachieving army recruits and learns a few things himself. Danny DeVito, Gregory Hines, Stacey Dash. Part of the tribute to screenwriter Jim Burnstein. 4:45 p.m. “Broken” (Rufus Norris, 2012). Drama about a North London tomboy who befriends a slow-witted young man. 8 p.m.
Angell Hall: “Nashville” (Robert Altman, 1975). See “Altmanerisms” (above). 12:30 p.m. “Lord Montagu” See June 7 Michigan Theater listing (above). 4:30 p.m. “Commencement.” See June 7 State Theater listing (above). 7 p.m.
Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth. $5 suggested donation. 327-0270. 704 Airport Blvd., 8 p.m.
June 15: “Spiritual Cinema.” Screening of a feature film or several shorts TBA with spiritual themes. Followed by discussion.
Jewel Heart Buddhist Center. FREE. 994-3387. Jewel Heart (1129 Oak Valley Dr. between Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. & Ellsworth), 7 p.m.
June 28: “Compassion in Emptiness” (Dalai Lama, 2011). Video of 2 talks on selflessness by the Dalai Lama. Followed by discussion.
Kip Barry’s Performing Arts Center. Cost TBA. 769-2787. 325 Braun Ct., 2-4:30 p.m. Every Sun.: “Family Movie Night.” Films TBA.
Michigan Theater Foundation. Unless there is a live show in the main theater, 2 or 3 different films are shown, usually twice, almost every night. For complete, updated schedules, see michtheater.org or call 668-TIME. Tickets (unless otherwise noted): $10 (children under 12, students with ID, seniors age 55 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8; MTF members, $7.50; films before 6 p.m., $7). Michigan Theater (unless otherwise noted), times TBA unless otherwise noted.
Through June 6: “The Great Gatsby” (Baz Luhrmann, 2013). 2D and 3D adaptations of the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic novel. Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan. Joel Edgerton.
May 31-June 6: “In the House” (Françoi Ozon, 2012). Thriller about a 16-year-old boy who insinuates himself into the house of a fellow student from his lit class and writes about the experience in essays for his French teacher. French, subtitles.
June 10-13: “Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s” (Matthew Miele, 2013). Documentary about the Manhattan department store.
June 10-13: “The Reluctant Fundamentalist” (Mira Nair, 2012). Thriller about a Pakistani Wall Street up-and-comer who finds himself conflicted between his pursuit of the American dream, a hostage crisis, and his homeland. Kate Hudson, Liev Schreiber, Kiefer Sutherland.
Opens June 14: “Frances Ha” (Noah Baumbach, 2012). Comedy about a quirky aspiring dancer living in New York City without an apartment or a real job.
Opens June 14: “Kon-Tiki” (Joachim Ronning & Espen Sandberg, 2012). Historical drama about Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdal’s 4,300-mile voyage across the Pacific on a balsa wood raft in 1947. English & Norwegian, subtitles.
June 16 & 18: “Blazing Saddles” (Mel Brooks, 1974). Riotous send-up of western movies, set in a small 1870s town. Little, Gene Wilder, Harvey Korman, Madeline Kahn, and Slim Pickens. 1:30 p.m. (June 16) & 7 p.m. (June 18).
Opens June 21: “We Steal Secrets: The Story of Wiki Leaks” (Alex Gibney, 2013). Documentary about journalist Julian Assange’s controversial website that facilitated the largest security breach in U.S. history.
June 23 & 25: “Vertigo” (Alfred Hitchcock, 1958). Haunting, dreamlike mystery thriller that stars James Stewart as a retired police detective who is afraid of heights. Kim Novak. 1:30 p.m. (June 23) & 7 p.m. (June 25).
June 27: “Django” (Sergio Corbucci, 1966). Spaghetti Western about a coffin-dragging gunslinger who enters a town caught between two feuding factions, the KKK and a gang of Mexican Bandits. Franco Nero. Italian, subtitles. 10 p.m.
Opens June 28: “Love Is All You Need” (Susanne Bier, 2012). Romantic comedy about a Danish hairdresser who finds out her husband is having an affair and ends up traveling to Italy for her daughter’s wedding with a bitter widower who turns out to be the father of the groom. Pierce Brosnan. Some Danish & Italian, subtitles.
June 30 & July 2: “A Night at the Opera” (Sam Wood, 1935). Riotous, loopy Marx Brothers musical comedy that’s widely regarded as their masterpiece. 1:30 p.m. (June 30) & 7 p.m. (July 2).
WCBN-FM. FREE admission. 763-3500. Arbor Brewing Company (114 E. Washington), 8:30 p.m.
June 11: “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” (John Cameron Mitchell, 2000). Brassy, joyous rock opera about a German transsexual from divided Berlin who survives a truncated sex change operation and several wounding betrayals to continue touring with her obscure band and searching for her “other half.” Based on the hit off-Broadway play.
