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Focus on Hopper's America

Rising to prominence at a time of radical change in America's history, actor, director and provocateur Dennis Hopper has come to embody many of the elements of this era.

Focus On Hopper's America explores the times, artistic influences and works of one of Hollywood's great exports.

Curated by Kristy Matheson

Colors
Hopper's groundbreaking portrayal of gang violence follows seasoned cop Bob (Robert Duvall) and hot-headed rookie Danny (Sean Penn) as they tackle an endless cycle of violence, drugs and urban decay.

Some twenty years on, the stark urban locales, classic hip-hop soundtrack and fine central performances offer a window into the gritty underbelly of L.A.

R 18+
Dennis Hopper, 120 mins, USA, 1988, 35mm. Source: MGM. Courtesy: MGM Film Archive.
Colors
Dates Sat 5 Dec 2009, 7.30pm
Location ACMI Cinemas
Admission Full $13 Concession $10
Tickets available soon

Hi guys,

In two weeks "the american astronaut" will be playing over at Acmi. I heard this film described as West Side Story from another dimension. These are the kinds of films that I am always on the lookout for.

I will be at the Beer Garden next door to Acmi at 9.30.

M
Cory McAbee, 91 mins, USA, 2001, 35mm. Courtesy: Commodore Films

The American Astronaut

"Stumbling across this film is like accidentally kicking a dusty rock in the bush and finding it's a nugget of gold - a true undiscovered, unpolished and unpretentious cinematic gem.

Written, directed by and starring Cory McAbee and featuring a fantastic score from San Francisco rock renegades the Billy Nayer Show, this Sundance-lauded, downright odd, low-budget film is a sci-fi-musical-western filled with "psychotic Astaire-style musical sequences, Three Stooges-esque humour, slimy nightmare imagery and hilarious Flash Gordon-inspired space scenes" (The New Yorker).

Still not clear on the plot? Trust us, just come and be initiated into this singular work of kooky American genius". (Acmi Website)

"An astonishing joy ride through the outer reaches of the id" Washington Post

“Spectacular! Some of the most pleasurable
and creative work behind the camera you’re
ever likely to see.”– THE NEW YORK TIMES

“More original than almost anything you’ve seen
this millennium.” – SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL

“Now that’s entertainment!”– FILM THREAT

“Surprising and Hilarious! May be the most
wonderfully strange film experience you have
this year.”– ELLE MAGAZINE

“IMAGINE A LONG LAUREL & HARDY SKIT DIRECTED
BY SALVADOR DALI.”– Entertainment Weekly

Imdb link

We are heading on to see Too Late Blues (1961)
Friday may 23rd 10p.m. in The ACMI.

Too Late Blues
Too Late Blues, Cassavetesí first studio film, portrays the life of John "Ghost" Wakefield, a talented jazz musician who must pit his artistic ideals against the manipulations of his agent and studio executives, and against his own self doubt. Ghostís struggle to choose between the hot jazz that he loves and the easy listening music that will bring him an audience and financial reward parallels Cassavetesí indecision between Hollywood and independent filmmaking. 1962 (133m. B+W) Stars Bobby Darin

dates Fri 23 May 2008, 10pm
location Cinemas
audience 18+
admission Full $13 Concession $10
or phone (03) 8663 2583

cassoverview

IMDB Listing

wikipedia/Too_Late_Blues

acmi.net

This aggression will not stand, man. So lets celebrate all things involving the Dude.

Starting with Bowling and White Russians at Lock in Monday at Strike Bowling. For $25 you get unlimited Bowling, Unlimited Karaoke, Unlimited Pool and a free drink on arrival. RSVP yes and I will book us a lane and then you can pay on arrival. I cannot make it any easier to embrace your inner Dudeness.

In my humble opinion The Big Lebowski is by far the greatest film of all time. It unites us all under the ideals of Dudeism and Dudeism encompasses everything. In America and Britain they have Lebowskifest which is kind of like a Star Trek Convention but without the nerds. So I got to thinking why should we have to sit back and watch our Lebowski DVDs while across the pacific Achievers everywhere are celebrating and being brought together under the banner of Dudeism. Therefore my vision is to start my own group of Achievers and mini Lebowskifest style activities, such as Lebowski themed bowling nights where we drink White Russians and have trivia, and whenever you bowl you have to do an impression of a character. For example if you get a strike you would do a Donnie impersonation or dance like Jesus. However if you roll really badly and your pissed off then you go into a Walter style rage but if you feel relaxed, then you have to show us your inner Dude.