Babygirl
Is the erotic thriller making a comeback? With few exceptions the staple of 80s and 90s cinema has been absent from the screen. Director Halina Reijn’s latest film, “Babygirl,” reinvigorates the genre with Nicole Kidman starring as Romy, a high powered CEO of a robotics company who risks her marriage and career on an affair with a much younger intern. Much of the “thriller” aspect of the film lies in its psychological exploration of power and submission. While sex scenes are handled tastefully, it does wander into, what might be for some viewers, uncomfortable territory. Kidman’s performance has gotten some high praise and Antionio Banderas, as her emasculated husband, is noteworthy. Starring Nicole Kidman, Antonio Banderas and Harris Dickinson.
Now playing at the State Theatre.
The Count of Monte-Cristo
Alexandre Dumas’ epic novel, “The Count of Monte-Cristo,” hits the big screen again. Edmond Dantes becomes the target of a sinister plot. Arrested on his wedding day, he’s held prisoner on an island where he meets a wise old man and makes a daring escape. He becomes fantastically rich and assumes the identity of the Count of Monte-Cristo to take revenge on those who destroyed his life. This film version promises to lean into the action-adventure aspect of the story. Even with a three-hour run time, aspects of the 1078-page novel need to be edited and compressed, as with any previous film adaptation, but the reviews so far have been excellent. Starring Pierre Niney and Bastien Bouillon. In French with English subtitles.
Now playing at the State Theatre.
12.12: The Day
Based on the events that happened in a single day when a coup d’état ushers in what would become North Korea, one stubborn soldier fights against Chun Doo-gwang to stop him from taking power. The conflict between the two grows while military leaders are holding their decision and the Defense Minister is gone. During the chaos, the spring of Seoul that everyone longed for heads in an unexpected direction. From director Kim Sung-soo, this is a beautifully made big-budget film that deserves to be seen on a big screen. The screening is free, but you may need to go online at the Michigan Theater website and reserve a seat. See their website for details. Sponsored by the University of Michigan Nam Center for Korean Studies. In Korean with English subtitles.
Playing at the State Theatre on Jan. 18.
Wes Anderson Retrospective
From January through April, the Michigan Theater will be showing the films of director Wes Anderson. Don’t miss your chance to see one of the great independent American film directors on the big screen.
January features his first three films, “Bottle Rocket” (Jan. 14), “Rushmore” (Jan. 21), and “The Royal Tenenbaums” (Jan. 28).
Late Night Favorites
Harold and Maude
This black comedy about a young, disillusioned, suicide obsessed man, (Bud Cort), who meets fun-loving 80-year-old (Ruth Gordon) at a funeral, is a cult classic. Is it love? The age-old question of the meaning of life is explored with fresh perspective by director Hal Ashby.
Playing at the State Theatre on Jan. 10.
Pink Floyd – The Wall
Written by Roger Waters and directed by Alan Parker (“Fame,” “Angel Heart”), “The Wall” is a series of music video style vignettes that follow a successful, drugged out rock musician, played by Bob Geldof, looking back on his traumatic childhood through a haze of booze and drugs while confined in his LA hotel room. One of the definitive “Midnight Movies” that shouldn’t be passed up by anyone who loves Pink Floyd or cult films.
Playing at the Michigan Theater on Jan. 31 and Feb. 6.
