Our local art house theaters are closed, but you can support them by heading over to their websites and choosing a first-run indie feature from their virtual movie offerings. Proceeds from your ticket purchase go to helping maintain those theaters while they’re closed (rent and utilities) and making sure they can re-open in the future. Curbside concessions are also offered via the theaters’ websites for curbside pick-up! Check the theaters’ websites for details.
Gordon Lightfoot: If You Could Read My Mind
Opens Friday July 31 at Michtheater.org
In the early 70’s when Country, Rock, and Folk intersected at the crossroads of popular music, Canadian musician Gordon Lightfoot became a star with songs like “Beautiful,” “Early Morning Rain,” and his biggest hit in the US, “Sundown.” Even if you don’t know him by name, “Sundown” has been featured heavily on soundtracks for films and TV series such as Knives Out, Thirteen Reasons Why, Beach Bum, Mr. Robot, and The Blacklist. The documentary focuses on Lightfoot’s songwriting, cutting together vintage and recent performance clips of the same song to show the audience how wonderful he sounds at age eighty. His voice, hauntingly poetic lyrics, and perfectionism in the recording studio made him a legend. For music fans, it’s a fascinating look at the star’s lifelong dedication to his art.
The Cuban
Opens Friday July 31 at Michtheater.org
A naïve med student gets her first job in a nursing home where she meets and forms a friendship with an elderly Cuban musician named Luis (Louis Gossett Jr). Gossett gives an inspired performance as a man facing dementia, and the final stages of his life. Seeing this film is highly recommended.
Cinema Detroit
Carmilla
Now playing at cinemadetriot.org
Based on the Gothic vampire novel of the same name, written 25 years before Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Carmilla reimagines the novel as a coming of age film exploring sexuality and oppressive religious societies. This is a female-centric story told via a female gaze. Carmilla is a hauntingly beautiful lesbian vampire story that doesn’t exploit its subject matter.
Lake Michigan Monster – July 31 2020 One night ONLY
Lake Michigan Monster is a comedic creature feature about an eccentric ship captain that teams up with a crew of specialists to slay the monster that murdered his father.
On Friday, July 31, the Michigan Theater will host a 24-hour virtual preview screening, followed by an exclusive recorded Q&A with the filmmakers. Purchase window ends TODAY, July 31. Members pay $10, while Gold Members can view it for free.
Free on Criterion Collection
The Criterion Channel is offering free streaming of films by black filmmakers, and stories in line with Black Lives Matter. This months free films include:
Daughters of the Dust – Julie Dash
Down in the Delta – Maya Angelou
Black Panthers – Agnes Varda
Portrait of Jason – Shirley Clarke
Losing Ground – Kathleen Collins
Be sure to check out these films and support your local movie theater! If you want to see more movie options, check out michtheater.org/screenings for more local listings.
