AFI to Host Mind-Blowing Event for 40th Anniversary
Filed under: Action, Classics, Comedy, Drama, Music & Musicals, Romance, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fandom, Exhibition, Family Films, George Lucas, Home Entertainment, Comic/Superhero/Geek
I live a ten minute walk from the Arclight Cinema in Los Angeles, easily one of the best movie theaters in the country. The American Film Institute hosts awesome screenings of new and classic films there weekly, and I try to see as many as I can. Just last week, I enjoyed the new Michael Douglas flick King of California, which was followed by an enlightening talk with the movie's writer and director -- Mike Cahill. Neat, right? But nothing could prepare me for the event that hit my inbox just now. Had I been a cartoon character, my bow tie would have spun around rapidly and smoke would have blasted out of my ears. Readers, if you live in Los Angeles -- KEEP OCTOBER 3RD FREE!
The AFI is celebrating its 40th anniversary with an almost unbelievably cool event. On October 3rd, they will screen eleven classic movies at the Arclight, all at the same time. But what truly sets this event apart are the people they've booked to host the screenings. Check this lineup out, and try to keep your jaw attached to your face: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, presented by Jack Nicholson. Spartacus, presented by Kirk Douglas. The Birds, presented by Tippi Hedren. The Sound of Music, presented by Julie Andrews. Bonnie and Clyde, presented by Warren Beatty. Rocky, presented by Sylvester Stallone. Star Wars, presented by George Lucas (settle down!). When Harry Met Sally, presented by Rob Reiner and Billy Crystal. Beauty and the Beast, presented by Angela Lansbury. The Shawshank Redemption, presented by Morgan Freeman. And Unforgiven, presented by Clint Eastwood. Um...wow. Just wow.
Here is the official site for the event. Tickets go on sale September 19th. which is this Wednesday. Tickets are $25, and include popcorn and soda. The first 100 people to show up for each screening get a 40th Anniversary AFI Book. Dress is "festive attire," all screenings begin at 7PM, and doors are at 5:30. For you non-Angelinos, which screening would you choose if you could go? And if you plan on attending, which one are you going to? I'll be at either Unforgiven or One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest for sure. Both movies are in my personal top ten, and where else am I going to be up close and personal with Jack Freaking Nicholson or Clint Freaking Eastwood? This is going to be a tough choice! See you there?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-15-2007 @ 12:35PM
ns said...
Sounds great but what is "festive attire"?
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9-15-2007 @ 3:40PM
Norm said...
Good lord, Patrick, no wonder you were sounding like a giddy fanboy. That really is an historic lineup.
As for your question (reporting from Boston, won't make it to LA) I'd have to go with Unforgiven, for two reasons. First, I think it's one of the most beautiful movies -- visually and narratively -- of the 20th century. Second, Eastwood is probably the most diverse, influential filmmaker on the list so I believe the experience with him would be the most satisfying.
And what the hell is When Harry Met Sally doing there? I'm not sure Rob Reiner belongs on this list, but oh well. I'm sure many will think Stallone doesn't belong on the list either, but Rocky is still a fantastic script and great film.
I'm looking forward to seeing others' comments on this.
Norm Schrager
www.meetinthelobby.com
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9-15-2007 @ 10:56PM
Kirby Holt said...
Well, "When Harry Met Sally" is the only comedy on the list, and it has appeared in four of the AFI 100 Years lists, so it doesn't surprise me to see it in the line-up.
Having to pick is like "Sophie's Choice" though ... I'd have to go with "Beauty and the Beast" or "Spartacus", mostly because it would be awesome to see either Angela Lansbury or Kirk Douglas in person. Let's face it, they may not be with us much longer (and what sad days those will be).
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9-16-2007 @ 12:19AM
Kim Voynar said...
Wow. I would so be at UNFORGIVEN, that is on my top ten list. Seeing it with Clint Eastwood presenting? Oh yeah.
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9-16-2007 @ 9:06AM
Norm Schrager said...
- Kirby -
Great point about When Harry Met Sally. But is that our representative American comedy for the last 40 years? Hmm. I gotta think about that one.
I had to come back and mention that at Meet In the Lobby we placed the presenters in order of influence and importance, rather than the films. What do you guys think? http://meetinthelobby.com/nicholson-beatty-lucas-superstar-lineup-for-afi-40th.html
Norm S.
www.meetinthelobby.com
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9-16-2007 @ 3:39PM
J8675309 said...
That is an OUTRAGEOUSLY hard choice.
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9-17-2007 @ 3:38AM
bongo123 said...
that just takes the feckin biscuit... fantastic movies intro'd by all those great names... man why cant they do this sort of shit in norn iron... oh wait, thats right we have a countrywide population of 312!! jammy cali bastards
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