As a cinephile with a penchant for all things cinematic, I must say that the lineup at Metrograph Theaters this holiday season is nothing short of a dream come true. Having grown up in New York City and frequented the theater more times than I can count, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the curated programming that Metrograph offers.
This month, Metrograph Pictures is wrapping up the year impressively with an array of fresh film series and unique presentations. The NYC cinema boasts a vibrant schedule of screenings and events for December, and their streaming platform offers some intriguing content as well. Notably, one of the highlights of this month’s programming showcases rare gems from the Deutsche Kinemathek. However, the theater also continues its annual holiday tradition, starting from Dec. 20, 2024. To stream movies at home, visit Metrograph At Home. For more details on the theater’s schedule, check out their calendar here: [Metrograph Theater Calendar]
Obscure Films from the Deutsche Kinemathek
The Deutsche Kinemathek, based in Berlin, is a renowned institution focused on preserving and showcasing films. In December, Metrograph will join forces with them to uncover forgotten cinematic gems from East Germany’s past, under the title “An Alternate Cinema.” While the giants of pre-war Expressionism and New German Cinema have always had plenty of screening opportunities, this collaboration highlights that the wealth of German film culture extends far beyond these well-known periods, as evidenced by this series of lesser-known films from the Deutsche Kinemathek’s archives.
Gathering films like Christoph Schlingensief’s satirical piece, ‘The German Chainsaw Massacre’ (1990), Pia Frankenberg’s humorous production, ‘Ain’t Nothin’ Without You’ (1985), and Michael Brynntrup’s punk-style avant-garde movie, ‘Jesus – Der Film’ (1985), under the title “An Alternate Cinema” – originally from a program at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival – is a salute to German movies produced outside traditional channels, overflowing with offbeat courage and unfettered audacity.
The Brilliant Cinema of “Urban Ghosts”
Among the outstanding films arriving at Metrograph in December are part of their collection titled “Urban Ghosts”. These movies explore themes such as the fleeting attraction stirred by an enigmatic stranger, the feeling of solitude amidst a bustling crowd, the longing for that chance encounter which could potentially alter everything. They delve into the bittersweet (and sometimes solely bitter) reality of contemporary urban life in our cities, which are constantly evolving through expansion, self-destruction, and “renewal”.
These remarkable films journey through various locales, traveling from the lavish Rome of Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, reminiscent of the decadent 1960s, to the desolate downtown Manhattan of Jim Jarmusch’s initial work, Permanent Vacation in the 1980s. They then move on to the neon-lit Hong Kong of Wong Kar-wai’s Fallen Angels in the 1990s, with many more stops along the way. These films offer a veritable banquet of flâneurie, an exuberant display of ennui, and are among some of the most beautifully crafted cinematic works ever made.
Studies of America from International Filmmakers
I’ve found myself captivated by ‘It Looks Pretty from a Distance,’ a collection of films that showcase the artistic perspectives of outsiders as they gaze upon America’s breathtaking landscapes. This series features renowned directors such as Wim Wenders, Ang Lee, Sergio Leone, Chantal Akerman, Werner Herzog, and Babette Mangoldt, who have each contributed a film to this compilation that explores the grand American myth.
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the release of “Paris, Texas,” German director Wim Wenders’ Palme d’Or-winning film that showcases the desolate grandeur and sprawling vistas of Texas, we present a series of works by filmmakers from outside the U.S., each offering their unique perspectives on the American landscape. This includes Werner Herzog exploring Wisconsin in “Stroszek,” Chloé Zhao capturing South Dakota’s Badlands in “The Rider,” Chantal Akerman documenting the Rio Grande borderlands in “From the Other Side,” and Babette Mangolte studying Western landscapes in “There? Where?” and “The Sky on Location.” These are American vistas, as perceived by artists who grew up amidst vastly different scenery.
Mikey and Nicky with Elaine May
On a single December evening, Metrograph invites director-writer Elaine May for an engaging conversation with editors Philip Schopper, ACE, and Jeffrey Wolf, ACE, about the intricacies of editing her 1976 masterpiece, “Mikey and Nicky.
“The movie by May focuses on the darkly humorous examination of two low-level gangsters, Nicky (played by Cassavetes) and his longtime companion Mikey (Falk), who’s been helping him out for years. They are on the run from a criminal organization they both belong to, which has placed a bounty on Nicky. Critic Dave Kehr of the Chicago Reader praises it as ‘one of the most original, captivating, and insightful films of the 1970s.’
Dirty Beaches & Yasujirō Ozu
Don’t miss out on a hilarious silent film screening at Metrograph! The classic movie by Yasujirō Ozu titled “I Was Born, But…” will be played live, accompanied by the exceptional talents of Alex Zhang Huntai from Dirty Beaches, who will perform on saxophone and trumpet. Joining him will be Lester St. Louis on cello and Laura Cocks on flute for a truly unique experience!
The movie that earned Ozu his initial “Best One” award from Kinema Junpo and remains his most lasting silent film, titled “I Was Born, But…“, reflects the director’s affinity for the Hal Roach Little Rascals shorts. It is a heart-wrenching tale about two mistreated boys residing in suburban Tokyo (played by Suguwara Hideo and Tokkan Kozou) who, upon witnessing their working father grovel before his superior, choose to go on a hunger strike as a form of protest. This delightful film tackles some harsh realities about the challenges of growing up.
The Holidays at Metrograph Theaters
Metrograph is hosting their yearly event titled “Metrograph’s Holiday Season“, which kicks off on December 20th at the “Metrograph Cinema“. There are numerous film delights waiting under the tree for the sophisticated movie enthusiast. A selection of traditional holiday favorites such as “Carol“, “Eyes Wide Shut“, and “Phantom Thread” will be re-released, along with holiday-themed films from Tim Burton, Wong Kar-wai, Greta Gerwig, and the Muppets.
The Metrograph Holiday Season extends from December 20 to January 2, followed by some special repeat screenings. Movies featured are: 2046, Carol, Edward Scissorhands, Eyes Wide Shut, Little Women, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Phantom Thread, and Willow.
Additionally, you might snuggle on your couch this December by using the Metrograph At Home streaming service, where you can find fresh releases such as “Once a Moth,” featuring the renowned Filipina actress Nora Aunor, along with works by independent filmmaker Jem Cohen, “Faust” reimagined by Jan Švankmajer, “Spacked Out,” and “Leonor Will Never Die” from Hong Kong and the Philippines. There’s also a Neo-noir quartet and an assorted holiday series featuring Georges Méliès, Miguel Gomes, and Carolee Schneeman. Furthermore, on Friday, December 6th, enjoy the exclusive streaming debut of “Dream Team,” a tribute to ’90s erotic basic cable thrillers by Lev Kalman and Whitney Horn, with an introduction from the filmmakers themselves.
If you haven’t signed up yet, you can become a member to access Metrograph At Home across the U.S., as well as the Metrograph Theater in New York. With one membership, you’ll get access to hand-picked films on demand, exclusive events and premieres, discounted tickets at the Box Office (usually $17, but only $10 for members), savings at our Commissary and Editions bookstore, a $10 discount on our biannual film publication, The Metrograph (with free shipping), and more! A sale on memberships has been extended to Friday, December 6th. Use the code HOLIDAY24 for a 50% discount on Annual, Dual, and Gift memberships.
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2024-12-06 02:03