Ricocheting through a typically eye-catching line-up of world cinema, Cinecity returns for 16 days of live scores, resurrected classics, talks, question-and-answer sessions and more. We asked the festival’s Director, Tim Brown, for five picks from the 16th year of the festival…
O Lucky Man!
Depot, Lewes, Sun 11th
A rare chance to see O Lucky Man! (1973) on the big screen, the second part of a Lindsay Anderson trilogy starring Malcolm McDowell that began with If…. (1968). It is an expansive and very funny allegory of capitalism and corruption, with a wonderful supporting cast including Ralph Richardson, Rachel Roberts, Arthur Lowe and Helen Mirren. It screens as part of UK-wide BFI Comedy Genius season and is introduced by comedy writer Graham Duff who has created a wealth of distinctive shows such as BBC TV comedy series Ideal and hit BBC2 Vic Reeves sitcom Hebburn.
In Fabric
Duke of York’s, Wed 14 Nov
One of the films I’m most looking forward to seeing on the big screen is the latest from Peter Strickland (Berberian Sound Studio, The Duke of Burgundy). It stars a brilliant Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Secrets & Lies) and follows the misfortunes of those who come into contact with a haunted red dress. It’s a macabre, erotic, visually thrilling phantasmagoria and quite unlike anything else. It also has an acting role for Cinecity patron Barry Adamson, better known as a musician and composer, who will also be introducing the screening.
Out Of Blue
Duke of York’s, Fri 16 Nov
Carol Morley’s (Dreams Of A Life, The Falling) first US-set feature is an ethereal, heady neo-noir starring Patricia Clarkson. It’s a detective drama that ends up interrogating mysteries far more cosmic than the murder which kickstarts its plot and is followed by a Q&A with director Carol Morley.
Insect
Duke’s at Komedia, Thurs 22 Nov
The latest feature from the Czech master surrealist Jan Švankmajer, who presented an exhibition, The Inner Life of Objects in Cinecity in 2013. He has been a major influence on film-makers from Tim Burton to Terry Gilliam and Guillermo del Toro. Švankmajer is now 84 and has announced that Insect will be his last film. To complement the screening, his short animation Historia Naturae, Suita (1967) will play among the insects, birds, butterflies, fossils and bones of the Booth Museum of Natural History throughout Cinecity.
Blue – Live Soundtrack
Duke of York’s, Sun 25 Nov
Cinecity closes with this special one-off live event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Derek Jarman’s landmark film. The soundtrack will be performed live by Simon Fisher Turner, Derek Jarman’s long-time musical collaborator with narration by poet and musician Black Sifichi. It’s a completely unique and powerful experience and not to be missed.
The 16th Cinecity Brighton Film Festival takes place across the city and also in Lewes,
Eastbourne and Worthing from 9th-25th November. See www.cine-city.co.uk for full details
