JANUARY
Friday 11
Cine Club @ SF Art Institute (800 Chestnut Street)
Iannucci's DEATH OF STALIN (2017, UK)
This razor-sharp satire finds comedy in the chaos after Josef Stalin’s death as the dictator’s subordinates fight amongst themselves for power. This film uses humor to show some of humanities darkest moments and the masterful performances lead to both laughter and chills.
Why we show this film:
Here's an exceptional film that you probably missed last year. Iannucci is doing what he does best and making great satirical fun of the out of political mayhem, in this case the desperate maneuvering after Stalin’s death. Based on the real-life incidents more bizarre than any fictional account, the film keeps maintains a lively but dark comedic tone that makes you squirm as you laugh. Of course, the laughter finally runs its course, and all that is left is the horror of grim reality. This film shows the deplorable hypocrisy of Stalin’s inner circle, and just might remind you of the political opportunists you see in the daily news.
About the director:
Armando Iannucci is a Scottish director who had his early beginnings at Oxford and pursued a degree in Philosophy with a thesis on the poet, John Milton. However, he abandoned academia and turned to comedy, where he developed a number of television and radio programs with the BBC. After a series of hit shows in the UK, he was offered HBO’s series Veep, which won him his first Emmy and ran for 4 seasons. He is now planning an adaptation of David Copperfield.
Saturday 12
Art Saturday at SFMOMA
We’re starting the year with a visit to SFMOMA to see the current shows including suptuous Brassaï show from Paris. A great way to begin your year of art in 2019!
11 am Meet in the Howard Street entrance of SFMOMA
1 pm A picnic in Yerba Buena park!
Friday 18
Cine Club @ SF Art Institute (800 Chestnut Street)
Schnabel's THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY (2007, France)
This screening is generously sponsored by Dolores and Bill Kincaid.
A tour-de-force! This film chronicles the heroic efforts of a world-famous magazine editor to reclaim his life after an aneurysm leaves him paralyzed except for one blinking eye. The camera work in this film is more daring and inventive than anything you’ve ever seen, and the story will leave you breathless.
Why we show this film:
Here is a film which grabs you from the beginning and won’t let you go. It is especially stunning because the film is primarily seen through the eyes of it’s hero. His relation with his family, his children, his friends, his wife and mistress all combine to etch a character that is full and rich. But it’s the emotional impact of it's story that has made it a favorite of students since we first showed it.
About the director:
JULIAN SCHNABEL is an American director who has one of the most unusual backgrounds in film. He was born in Brooklyn but raised in Texas. By the late 70’s he had become a painter whose works were shown in the Venice Biennale. He continued to become a staple in the art scene of the 80’s and but gradually began indulging in his love of film. Basquiat and Before Night Falls gave him considerable influence in the independent film world. His film reputation has out run his reputation as a painter and he is currently finishing a film about Van Gogh.
Friday 25
Cine Club @ SF Art Institute (800 Chestnut Street)
Kieslowski's THREE COLORS: RED (1994, France/Poland)
A visionary, original love story like no other. Kieslowski’s final films suggest that we are all connected through unseen forces. In this story coincidence becomes a major theme as two lovers live parallel lives that prepare them to finally meet.
Why we show this film:
The last film by of one of Poland’s finest directors, deals with some of the major issues of our contemporary world—privacy, surveillance, loneliness—in unique and imaginative ways. Central to the story is a retired judge who spends his days spying on his neighbors in bitter reverie. He receives an unexpected visit from a young model, who returns his wounded dog. It’s these coincidental incidents that trigger events filled with irony and beauty. Parallel to the model’s life, runs the life of a young lawyer who's life reflects the older judge. These three lives intersect and break away in a fascinating cycles. Everything in this film world is connected, (held together by the color red) and the revelations about life and living are as profound as you will find in film. A true masterpiece.
About the director:
Kieslowski made films for years, many of them censured by the Polish authorities, but he entered the world cinema pantheon with his brilliant set of films for Polish television called Dekalog. Loosely based on the ten commandments, these films showed an originality, and an integrity we only associate with greatest filmmakers. His next film however, The Secret Life of Veronique, shot in both Poland and France, made him into an idol of the French film going public. His last three films, Red, White and Blue were filmed in France and brought him cult-icon status, which greatly increased the stress level in his life and probably contributed to the heart attack that ended his life.
Saturday 26
Art Saturday @ Potrero Hill Art Galleries
Patricia Piccinini’s work at the Hosfelt Gallery
We've been so busy with so many great venues this year we've neglected Potrero Hill, so we had to make sure we got at least one trip in!
11 am Meet outside Coffee Bar (1890 Bryant St.)
11:15 Walking tour of Potrero Hill art galleries (Jack Fisher, Catharine Clark, Hosfelt, and CCA Wattis)
1 pm Picnic lunch at Franklin Square Park (Corner of Bryant and 17th)