Volume CXXXIII, Number 15 February 8, 2002 f

Not-so-ordinary flicks from the Film Society
JIM FLANAGAN
COLUMNIST

This weekend, the Film Society has some films for you that are little different than your normal mainstream film. It doesn't mean that any of these titles aren't enjoyable, they all are. When you watch them though, you will see something you do not normally find when you go to the movie theater. Also, I am sad to report that due to budget problems, we were unable to secure a copy of Waking Life, even though we previously advertised we would have this film to show. With any luck, we can bring it to you later in the semester. But for now, please enjoy the three great films we do have. As always, they will be shown in Smith Auditorium, in Sills Hall and are free for everyone.

Time Code
Friday at 7:00 p.m.
In this film, Mike Figgis has made a truly amazing picture. There are four screens, all moving in real time, which the story folds out upon. It may be confusing to have four separate views of up to four different scenes going on at once, but it is done with such skill that it will blow you away. The plot is a little too complex to explain here, but this isn't a film you see for the plot. You see it for the pure film-making expertise. As you take in all that Time Code has to offer, remember that these are four continuous shots taking place at once, with actors who are almost completely improvising the dialogue you are hearing. Very few films can truly be called ground-breaking. This is one of them.

EXistenZ
Friday at 9:00 p.m.
This is a crazy film from the unique filmmaker David Cronenberg. It concerns a video game programmer who has created a completely virtual game world (which the film is named after). Unfortunately, after an assassination attempt, the game is damaged, and she must enter into the world to fix it. Or something like that. It's difficult to explain, and features a shocker of an ending, so you should check it out.

Happiness
Saturday at 7:00 p.m.
Now here is something you won't see at your local multiplex: a film that was given a rating of NC-17, but was eventually released with no rating as to avoid the bad associations with NC-17; a film that involves the lives a three sisters and their acquaintances, all of whom have some sort of atypical sex life; a film that when released gained notoriety for having a character that was, without a doubt, a child molester. Happiness is shocking and disturbing, but then again, most important works of art are. It's almost Valentine's Day, so see it with someone you love.