Magic in the Moonlight (opens today)
Known for his neurotic persona and offbeat style of filmmaking, Woody Allen takes the director’s seat again with Magic in the Moonlight. This film tells the tale of an accomplished illusionist (Colin Firth) attempting to expose a dubious medium (Emma Stone) in the south of France. Whilst Allen’s films haven’t always lived up to expectation, we can’t deny that both Firth and Stone are solid leads, so we recommend giving this one a go. If all else fails, there’s always picturesque scenery.
Boyhood (opens today)
This is undoubtedly one of the longest commitments to a single film project ever made. Filmed over a period of twelve years, Boyhood depicts the life of Texas-born Mason (Ellar Coltrane), who resides with his mother (Patricia Arquette) and sister (Lorelei Linklater). Cue all the suburban white boy problems, such as an alcoholic stepdad, drug use and girlfriend issues.
The Seven Year Itch (Aug 16, 7.30pm)
In tribute to screen legend Marilyn Monroe, The Screening Room will be featuring several of the actress’ classic films. In The Seven Year Itch, Monroe basically plays another version of herself (her character ‘The Girl’ is a model and actress). And if you’re wondering where the iconic image of Monroe’s skirt blowing in the wind comes from, this is it.
Good Will Hunting (Aug 16, 5pm)
We still haven’t quite gotten over the passing of beloved actor Robin Williams, but at least we’ll always have his films to remember him by. This Saturday, The Screening Room is showing Good Will Hunting as a tribute to Williams. Co-starring (a very young) Matt Damon, Williams’ character is a therapist who makes a profound impact on the life of his patient.
Point Blank (Aug 19, 8pm)
If you’ve always loved yourself a good hostage film and enjoyed Les Tontons Flingueurs last week, you might be interested to catch French action-thriller Point Blank, screened as part of Alliance Française’s continual lineup of espionage-themed offerings. The stakes are set really high this time, as the protagonist’s (Gilles Lellouche) pregnant wife is kidnapped as a bargaining chip for their ringleader.
Sayang Disayang (Aug 15, 7.30pm)
For something a little closer to home, it may be worth checking out this lesser-known locally-produced Malay film. Starring theatre veteran Aidli Mosbit as a live-in domestic worker caring for a disgruntled widower (Pak Harun), the film explores the tense but surprisingly moving relationship between both of them. Be prepared to bring some tissues.
