Monte Hellman’s antiheroes
DIRECTOR Monte Hellman isn’t a household name, but he’s definitely a cult figure in Hollywood circles for his stark, offbeat films inhabited by drifters, whether they are drag racers, mute cockfighters or disillusioned soldiers.
The American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theatre pays tribute to the iconoclastic director with a three-night festival -- and Hellman will appear each evening between films.
Screening on Friday is Hellman’s acclaimed 1971 road movie “Two Lane Blacktop,” starring James Taylor, the Beach Boys’ Dennis Wilson and Warren Oates.
Oates also headlines the second feature, 1974’s “Cockfighter.” Based on the novel by Charles Willeford, the drama revolves around a loner who, after receiving the Cockfighter of the Year award, is disqualified because of his drunken behavior during the match. He decides to take a vow of silence until he is able to win the award again. Harry Dean Stanton and Millie Perkins also star.
On tap for Saturday are two Hellman westerns featuring a pre-”Easy Rider” Jack Nicholson: 1966’s “The Shooting,” which casts Nicholson as an evil gunfighter, and “Ride in the Whirlwind.” The latter stars Nicholson and Cameron Mitchell as cowhands mistaken for bandits. Nicholson penned the script, based on Old West diaries.
Hellman and Nicholson also team for Sunday’s double bill: the 1964 war film “Back Door to Hell,” which also stars pop singer Jimmie Rodgers, and the torrid drama “Flight to Fury,” shot back-to-back with “Back Door” in the Philippines. Nicholson also wrote “Fury.”
The good guys
While the Egyptian explores antiheroes, the Cinematheque at the Aero in Santa Monica is offering “Modern Urban Mythology -- the Superhero.” Sam Raimi’s underrated 1990 thriller “Darkman” screens Friday, with an effective Liam Neeson playing the once-brilliant scientist turned faceless superhero.
Rounding out the evening is the deliciously goofy “Danger: Diabolik,” from 1968. Directed by Mario Bava, this hip, pop-art thriller stars John Phillip Law, Marisa Mell, Michel Piccoli and Terry Thomas. Ennio Morricone supplied the catchy score.
Scheduled for Saturday is Richard Donner’s 1978 “Superman,” which brought Christopher Reeve to stardom as the Man of Steel. Digitally restored, it features eight minutes of never-before-seen footage including a sequence with Marlon Brando as Supie’s father, Jor-El.
Following “Superman” is Tim Burton’s atmospheric 1989 take on “Batman,” starring a surprisingly strong Michael Keaton as the Dark Knight and a deliciously over-the-top Jack Nicholson as the Joker. Kim Basinger, Michael Gough and the late Jack Palance also star.
Screening Sunday is what organizers say is the only existing print of 1980’s “Superman II,” directed by Richard Lester, along with 1992’s “Batman Returns,” which reunites Burton and Keaton. Michelle Pfeiffer, as Catwoman, and Danny DeVito, as the Penguin, steal the movie.
‘Rain’ still shines
Arguably the greatest movie musical ever, 1952’s “Singin’ in the Rain” graces the Aero on Nov. 25 (7:30 p.m.). Directed by star Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen from a brilliantly funny script by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, “Singin’ ” is a delightful homage and spoof of the struggles Hollywood endured making the transition from silent to talkies. The film is chockablock with memorable dance numbers, including Kelly’s “Singin’ in the Rain” routine with umbrella, costar Donald O’Connor’s acrobatically amazing “Make ‘Em Laugh” and Kelly, O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds’ peppy “Good Morning.”
Raising the ‘Roof’
On Nov. 26 at the Aero (5 p.m.) is Norman Jewison’s poetic 1971 adaptation of the Bock-Harnick Broadway musical “Fiddler on the Roof.” It stars Israeli actor Topol as the poor but vibrant Jewish milkman Tevye, eking out a living for his family during increasing turbulent times in turn-of-the-20th century Russia. Norma Crane, Leonard Frey, Molly Picon and a pre-”Starsky and Hutch” Paul Michael Glaser also star.
‘Man’ in her life
Carole Lombard received her only best actress Oscar nomination as the ditsy but lovable socialite in the seminal 1936 screwball comedy “My Man Godfrey,” which screens at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 28 at the Skirball Cultural Center in L.A. William Powell, Lombard’s ex-husband in real life, also picked up a best actor nomination for his sublime turn as a vagrant who becomes her family’s butler.
Matinee idols
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s Tuesday matinee series continues at 1 p.m. Nov. 21 with George Cukor’s beloved 1933 adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women.” Beautifully produced by David O. Selznick, the heartwarming drama stars Katharine Hepburn -- perfectly cast as the feisty Jo -- Joan Bennett, Frances Dee, Jean Parker and Paul Lukas. On tap for Nov. 28 (also 1 p.m.) is Howard Hawks’ action-packed 1959 western “Rio Bravo,” starring John Wayne, Dean Martin, Walter Brennan, Ricky Nelson and Angie Dickinson. Eight years later, Hawks remade “Rio Bravo” as “El Dorado.”
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Screenings
Monte Hellman Tribute
* “Two Lane Blacktop,” “Cockfighter”: 7:30 p.m. Friday
* “The Shooting,” “Ride in the Whirlwind”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
* “Back Door to Hell,” “Flight to Fury”: 6:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
Info: (323) 466-3456,
americancinematheque.com
The Superhero
* “Darkman,” “Danger: Diabolik”: 7:30 p.m. Friday
* “Superman,” “Batman”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
* “Superman II,” “Batman Returns”: 6:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica
Info: (323) 466-3456,
americancinematheque.com
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