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Volume CXXXII, Number 8 |
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Big flicks for free
AUDREY AMIDON
STAFF WRITER
This week the Bowdoin Film Society brings films written and directed by the brothers Coen-Joel and Ethan to be specific. Since 1984's Blood Simple, these two brothers have brought both dark and offbeat humor to the screen. Over the years they have become even more well-known, to the point where it is generally understood that when you see a Coen brothers film you'll be in for an interesting ride.
Friday at 7:00 p.m., The Man Who Wasn't There (2001) will be screened in Smith Auditorium. This, the brothers most recent film, is a tribute to film noir and was filmed entirely in black and white, with all the great shadows and depth one would expect. Billy Bob Thornton stars as Ed Crane, a man who didn't fight in World War II with the rest of the men because of his fallen arches. He cuts hair and thinks his wife Doris (Frances McDormand) is doing well in her job because she's sleeping with her boss. Ed wants to start a career in dry-cleaning and attempts blackmail to get the capital.
To follow up on the theme, The Hudsucker Proxy (1994) will be shown Saturday at 7:00 p.m. This film stars Tim Robbins as Norville Barnes, the pawn in a scheme to run a company into the ground. The board of directors thinks that the young graduate will cause the stock to plummet so they can buy it up and make a fortune when they take over the company. The film also stars Paul Newman as Sidney Mussburger, the man who cooks up the scam, and Jennifer Jason Leigh as the reporter who uncovers the plan. Also featured is the versatile character actor Steve Buscemi, who makes any film better, and that talented temptress Anna Nicole Smith.
Finally, on Sunday night at 8:30 p.m. the Film Society will treat Bowdoin students to a screening of Punch-Drunk Love at the Eveningstar. This film was made by Paul Thomas Anderson, the guy behind Magnolia and Boogie Nights, and stars Adam Sandler. While most would admit that Sandler makes entertaining movies, few could have ever anticipated him pulling the Robin Williams switch to a serious film. The result is getting some fantastic reviews.
There is nothing of the usual in this film, so it should be interesting at the very least. Adam Sandler is Barry Egan, a man with a temper problem who explodes and breaks things when he can't control himself any longer. Emily Watson is Lena Leonard, the comparatively mild-mannered woman he becomes involved with. Bring your Bowdoin ID to the Eveningstar Cinema and enjoy. Don't forget your ID because you will need it to get in for free.