March's screening will feature The Proposition, a 2005 Western directed by John Hillcoat and written by musician/writer Nick Cave. I'm excited to see this film as it's been on my short list for a couple years now. Hillcoat is directing the upcoming film adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's The Road, so I'm interested in seeing some of his work prior to that. Additionally, I find Nick Cave to be an all-around interesting artist and human being. To see this brainchild of his will be a treat, I'm sure.
Here's the trailer:
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Last Night's Turnout Dismal
Last night, the turnout was completely dismal. We had a total of four moviegoers who stuck the whole thing out. There was a couple who came in, but apparently couldn't stand the basketball game on the big screen that played prior to the movie starting at 7:30. They left before the movie got underway. Another lady claimed, "This is not the Werner Herzog I know," threw her hands in the air, and made her best beeline straight for the exit.
That left the four of us.
And it's a shame. Because the film was great. Stroszek. A Herzog classic. As Roger Ebert wrote:
A classic of cinema. A film I've long wanted to see. And last night we gave people the opportunity to see it on the big screen. An opportunity you're not likely to find in many places in the Midwest. I just think it's sad that people have an opportunity to see great films (great art), and they don't.
I'm sure people have their reasons, and I understand. People have children. It's cold outside. The economy sucks. We were competing with Barack Obama's speech to Congress. I understand.
That's why I'm going to do an increased job of spreading the word this month. I'm going to work on getting the message out about Movie Geeks. I mean, we've been around for two years now, but I guess people still don't know. Or worse, I fear, don't care.
That left the four of us.
And it's a shame. Because the film was great. Stroszek. A Herzog classic. As Roger Ebert wrote:
"Stroszek" (1977) is one of the oddest films ever made. It is impossible for the audience to anticipate a single shot or development. We watch with a kind of fascination, because Herzog cuts loose from narrative and follows his characters through the relentless logic of their adventure. Then there is the haunting impact of the performance by Bruno S., who is at every moment playing himself.
A classic of cinema. A film I've long wanted to see. And last night we gave people the opportunity to see it on the big screen. An opportunity you're not likely to find in many places in the Midwest. I just think it's sad that people have an opportunity to see great films (great art), and they don't.
I'm sure people have their reasons, and I understand. People have children. It's cold outside. The economy sucks. We were competing with Barack Obama's speech to Congress. I understand.
That's why I'm going to do an increased job of spreading the word this month. I'm going to work on getting the message out about Movie Geeks. I mean, we've been around for two years now, but I guess people still don't know. Or worse, I fear, don't care.
Monday, February 16, 2009
March Films - Westerns
Here are the list of movies that have been nominated for March. The March films are all Westerns. There is a very diverse group in here so do some research before you vote.
The Searchers
When Ethan Edwards decide to go find the Indians who killed his family, he is joined by his nephew, Martin Pawley. The problem is that Pawley is 1/8th Indian and there's nothing in the world that Edwards hates more than Indians. The journey to find the Indians and Edwards' niece last for years. (IMDB.com)
Once Upon a Time in the West
A mysterious stranger with a harmonica joins forces with a notorious desperado to protect a beautiful widow from a ruthless assassin working for the railroad in this long frontier epic. Mysterious pasts and the strength of loyalties is explored amid lightning fast gun battles and stylish vistas. (IMDB.com)
Westworld
A amusement park for rich vacationers. The park provides its customers a way to live out their fantasies through the use of robots that provide anything they want. Two of the vacationers choose a wild west adventure. However, after a computer breakdown, they find that they are now being stalked by a rogue robot gun-slinger. (IMDB.com)
The Shootest
John Bernard Books, a gunfighter approaching his 58th birthday, finds that he has cancer and two months to live. He takes a room with Bond Rogers and her son, Gillom, to wait until death comes. Of course, his very presence starts off events in the town. The Marshal comes, prepared to die in a shootout, Gillom tries to idolize him, Bond first is disgusted and then pities him. Then, realizing that he will die in great pain, he comes up with an idea to go out with a bang. (IMDB.com)
The Proposition (2005)
Rural Australia in the late nineteenth century: Capt. Stanley and his men capture two of the four Burns brothers, Charlie and Mike. Their gang is held responsible for attacking the Hopkins farm, raping pregnant Mrs. Hopkins and murdering the whole family. Arthur Burns, the eldest brother and the gang's mastermind, remains at large has and has retreated to a mountain hideout. Capt. Stanley's proposition to Charlie is to gain pardon and - more importantly - save his beloved younger brother Mike from the gallows by finding and killing Arthur within nine days. (IMDB.com)
The Searchers
When Ethan Edwards decide to go find the Indians who killed his family, he is joined by his nephew, Martin Pawley. The problem is that Pawley is 1/8th Indian and there's nothing in the world that Edwards hates more than Indians. The journey to find the Indians and Edwards' niece last for years. (IMDB.com)
Once Upon a Time in the West
A mysterious stranger with a harmonica joins forces with a notorious desperado to protect a beautiful widow from a ruthless assassin working for the railroad in this long frontier epic. Mysterious pasts and the strength of loyalties is explored amid lightning fast gun battles and stylish vistas. (IMDB.com)
Westworld
A amusement park for rich vacationers. The park provides its customers a way to live out their fantasies through the use of robots that provide anything they want. Two of the vacationers choose a wild west adventure. However, after a computer breakdown, they find that they are now being stalked by a rogue robot gun-slinger. (IMDB.com)
The Shootest
John Bernard Books, a gunfighter approaching his 58th birthday, finds that he has cancer and two months to live. He takes a room with Bond Rogers and her son, Gillom, to wait until death comes. Of course, his very presence starts off events in the town. The Marshal comes, prepared to die in a shootout, Gillom tries to idolize him, Bond first is disgusted and then pities him. Then, realizing that he will die in great pain, he comes up with an idea to go out with a bang. (IMDB.com)
The Proposition (2005)
Rural Australia in the late nineteenth century: Capt. Stanley and his men capture two of the four Burns brothers, Charlie and Mike. Their gang is held responsible for attacking the Hopkins farm, raping pregnant Mrs. Hopkins and murdering the whole family. Arthur Burns, the eldest brother and the gang's mastermind, remains at large has and has retreated to a mountain hideout. Capt. Stanley's proposition to Charlie is to gain pardon and - more importantly - save his beloved younger brother Mike from the gallows by finding and killing Arthur within nine days. (IMDB.com)
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Movie Geeks for February: Stroszek
Werner Herzog's Stroszek. Roger Ebert called it "one of the oddest films ever made" and we're bringing it to the big screen February 24.
Capital City Bar and Grill
Tuesday, February 24.
Doors open at 7:00. Film starts at 7:30.
Capital City Bar and Grill
Tuesday, February 24.
Doors open at 7:00. Film starts at 7:30.
Apology to the Movie Geeks and a Call to Action
If you have attended a Movie Geeks in the past few months, you've likely noticed the darkness of the screen. And those of you who were in the house last night got to spend the evening with that ugly encroaching blue line on the right side of the screen.
We've had this problem once before at Capital City, a little over a year ago. The problem then stemmed from the bulb on the projector. As the bulb goes bad it emits less light, resulting in a darker screen. The blue line on the side of the screen . . . I don't have an explanation for that.
Needless to say this makes the movie-going experience rather unpleasant. Viewers have a difficult (often impossible) time seeing characters and actions during nighttime or otherwise darkened scenes. Key plot points can be missed. Key gestures can be missed. Elements of the film that the director wanted you to be able to see are going unseen before our watchful eyes.
Please know that Micah and I(John) have no control whatsoever over the equipment at Capital City Bar and Grill. We select a movie once a month and try our best to drag people to the theater for our screenings. Capital City provides the screen, DVD player, sound system, and projection unit. They also provide the service of food and drink.
I know that there is no cover charge for viewing the films, but I still feel if people are willing to make time out of their busy schedule to take in a film, they should be treated to a watchable film. Micah had a brief discussion with one of the owners last night who explained that the bulb was replaced recently but was messed up during a recent concert when a band tech was messing with the lighting.
Whatever the reason, we've noticed that the picture quality has been growing increasingly worse over the past few months, and we're concerned that we will start losing participants.
If you were in attendance last night or in previous months and you felt that the screen quality was poor or that the film was unwatchable, then please contact the bar and voice your concerns. The Movie Geeks Club consistently draws 20-30 paying customers. We buy drinks and food. We tip the waitstaff. We bring in revenue that they wouldn't ordinarily draw on a Tuesday night. Although we don't pay a cover to watch the movie, it is only fair that we be given a reasonable film-watching experience.
You can contact Capital City Bar and Grill by calling (217)529-8580. Let them know you are a paying customer who enjoys coming to the movie club and that you were disappointed in the quality of the film. Maybe they'll get the problem fixed.
Thanks,
John and Micah
We've had this problem once before at Capital City, a little over a year ago. The problem then stemmed from the bulb on the projector. As the bulb goes bad it emits less light, resulting in a darker screen. The blue line on the side of the screen . . . I don't have an explanation for that.
Needless to say this makes the movie-going experience rather unpleasant. Viewers have a difficult (often impossible) time seeing characters and actions during nighttime or otherwise darkened scenes. Key plot points can be missed. Key gestures can be missed. Elements of the film that the director wanted you to be able to see are going unseen before our watchful eyes.
Please know that Micah and I(John) have no control whatsoever over the equipment at Capital City Bar and Grill. We select a movie once a month and try our best to drag people to the theater for our screenings. Capital City provides the screen, DVD player, sound system, and projection unit. They also provide the service of food and drink.
I know that there is no cover charge for viewing the films, but I still feel if people are willing to make time out of their busy schedule to take in a film, they should be treated to a watchable film. Micah had a brief discussion with one of the owners last night who explained that the bulb was replaced recently but was messed up during a recent concert when a band tech was messing with the lighting.
Whatever the reason, we've noticed that the picture quality has been growing increasingly worse over the past few months, and we're concerned that we will start losing participants.
If you were in attendance last night or in previous months and you felt that the screen quality was poor or that the film was unwatchable, then please contact the bar and voice your concerns. The Movie Geeks Club consistently draws 20-30 paying customers. We buy drinks and food. We tip the waitstaff. We bring in revenue that they wouldn't ordinarily draw on a Tuesday night. Although we don't pay a cover to watch the movie, it is only fair that we be given a reasonable film-watching experience.
You can contact Capital City Bar and Grill by calling (217)529-8580. Let them know you are a paying customer who enjoys coming to the movie club and that you were disappointed in the quality of the film. Maybe they'll get the problem fixed.
Thanks,
John and Micah
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Movies for February
Here are our movies for February. Vote now in the poll on the right-hand side of your screen.
Pi -- In my opinion, the finest film Darren Aronofsky ever did. I'm a big fan of number theory, even though I'm terrible at math itself, and it's possible esoteric implications. I loved the section in the book Contact that discusses pi (thank you, Carl Sagan), and I love the Chudnovsky brothers. So, what's not to love about Aronofsky's conspiracy theory-fueled story of one man's attempt to figure out the world in numbers?
6ixtynin9 -- This is a great Thai film (original translation of the title: Funny Story 6 9). Released in 1999, it tells the story of Tum, who loses her job in the financial district during a depression in the Asian economy. She finds herself broke and jobless. Then she finds a box of money in front her apartment and things really start to change for her. Especially when the people who left the money decide they want it back. A darkly hilarious number play that rises into an interesting mystery film.
Stroszek -- A film by Werner Herzog. Written in four days, specifically for German actor Bruno S., this Herzog masterpiece tells the story of Bruno, an alcoholic Berliner, recently released from prison, who joins an elderly friend and a prostitute in their dream to leave Germany and seek a better life in America . . . in Wisconsin to be exact. This film is extraordinary in its ability to keep viewers from predicting what will happen next. Herzog used non-actors for most of the lesser roles in the film. If all of this doesn't sell you, the film was shot in Ed Gein's hometown.
The Fountain -- For someone who is absolutely crazy about esoteric, hermetic, and other random bits of world and spiritual knowledge, this Aronofsky flick was like mind candy. Aside from being beautifully shot, The Fountain contains three narratives (one in the past, one in the present, and one in the future) that orbit around the themes of thanatophobia, the fountain of youth, death, rebirth, and the central soul of mankind and possible deification of such. A true pet project of Aronofsky's, and definitely worth seeing for film fans and seekers of spiritual food.
Lost Highway -- What list of this magnitude would be complete without David Lynch? For this month, we offer up Lost Highway, a film noir treat coupled with surreal themes that we, the obfuscated illusory humans face on a daily (or at least weekly) basis. With an Angelo Badalamenti score, direction by David Lynch, and a role by Robert Loggia, how can you say no? Really, how can you? If you don't vote for this film, I want at least a 500 word essay explaining why.
Pi -- In my opinion, the finest film Darren Aronofsky ever did. I'm a big fan of number theory, even though I'm terrible at math itself, and it's possible esoteric implications. I loved the section in the book Contact that discusses pi (thank you, Carl Sagan), and I love the Chudnovsky brothers. So, what's not to love about Aronofsky's conspiracy theory-fueled story of one man's attempt to figure out the world in numbers?
6ixtynin9 -- This is a great Thai film (original translation of the title: Funny Story 6 9). Released in 1999, it tells the story of Tum, who loses her job in the financial district during a depression in the Asian economy. She finds herself broke and jobless. Then she finds a box of money in front her apartment and things really start to change for her. Especially when the people who left the money decide they want it back. A darkly hilarious number play that rises into an interesting mystery film.
Stroszek -- A film by Werner Herzog. Written in four days, specifically for German actor Bruno S., this Herzog masterpiece tells the story of Bruno, an alcoholic Berliner, recently released from prison, who joins an elderly friend and a prostitute in their dream to leave Germany and seek a better life in America . . . in Wisconsin to be exact. This film is extraordinary in its ability to keep viewers from predicting what will happen next. Herzog used non-actors for most of the lesser roles in the film. If all of this doesn't sell you, the film was shot in Ed Gein's hometown.
The Fountain -- For someone who is absolutely crazy about esoteric, hermetic, and other random bits of world and spiritual knowledge, this Aronofsky flick was like mind candy. Aside from being beautifully shot, The Fountain contains three narratives (one in the past, one in the present, and one in the future) that orbit around the themes of thanatophobia, the fountain of youth, death, rebirth, and the central soul of mankind and possible deification of such. A true pet project of Aronofsky's, and definitely worth seeing for film fans and seekers of spiritual food.
Lost Highway -- What list of this magnitude would be complete without David Lynch? For this month, we offer up Lost Highway, a film noir treat coupled with surreal themes that we, the obfuscated illusory humans face on a daily (or at least weekly) basis. With an Angelo Badalamenti score, direction by David Lynch, and a role by Robert Loggia, how can you say no? Really, how can you? If you don't vote for this film, I want at least a 500 word essay explaining why.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Update - December Movie Geeks Club Canceled
Due to a party on the last Tuesday night of December at the Capital City Bar and Grill, the December Movie Geeks Club is canceled. Once won the vote for December so it will be come the January film. Sorry about this folks. Enjoy the holidays and have a Movie Geeks Night with your family.
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