So, you'd like not to feign fluency in film, not to look panicky or blank when someone starts talking about John Ford or "The Golden Voyage of Sinbad," but you feel it's just too late? Go get yourself a membership to American Cinematheque, where the film's the thing.
This hub for cinephiles shows different movies daily, sometimes several. There are goofy comedies and sober documentaries; there are tributes and retrospectives, often featuring a live appearance by the star or director or auteur. The theater -- the old Egyptian, refurbished -- is swank, with just about the prettiest ceiling going; the chairs feel like airline seats, with high headrests and as much legroom as in business class; the screen is large, the picture excellent. The concessions area is sort of second-rate, but no one cares: They're here to see the movie. While "American Cinematheque" sounds a little highfalutin, the place is not precious or academic but a serious celebration of film. Go.
-- Nancy Rommelmann
Special to The Times
The American Cinematheque also operates the recently renovated
Aero Theatre in Santa Monica.
May. 16
Francis Ford Coppola's surrealist Vietnam film stars Marlon Brando, Martin Sheen and Robert Duvall.
May. 17
Alfred Hitchcock's classic stars Kim Novak and James Stewart.
May. 18
Charlton Heston and Laurence Olivier star.
May. 21
The lives of six people -- four Turks and two Germans -- crisscross through love and tragedy. In German and Turkish with English subtitles. Part of the Outfest Wedesdays series.
May. 22 - May. 24
Collection of films (May 22-24) that flaunted the Hays Code censorship rules
May. 25
Art director Creber discusses and screens
The Detective (1968), starring Frank Sinatra, Lee Remick, Jacqueline Bisset, Jack Klugman and Robert Duvall.
May. 28
Director Jean Genet's erotic gay film is followed by
Genet (1981), Antoine Bourseiller documentary about Genet. Part of the Outfest Wedesdays series.
May. 29
Director Hamid Rahmanian discusses and screens his film about capital punishment in Iran.
May. 30 - Jun. 1
Short collection of films (May 30-June 1) by Alfred Hitchcock.
Jun. 5
Director Tony Krantz and cast members dicsuss and screen their new horror comedy.
