Authored By Joshua Pickard
The Week in Film is a column dedicated to bringing awareness to award-winning films, special movie screenings, rereleases, limited-distribution runs and avant cinema that should be seen in theaters to be properly appreciated. “The Sound of Music” The winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, “The Sound of Music” tells the true-life story of the von Trapp children and their unconventional governess Maria, played by Julie Andrews, as they navigate their own personal issues while avoiding the attention of the encroaching Nazi regime. With such iconic songs as “The Sound of Music,” “Do-Re-Mi” and “My Favorite Things,” the film has become a part of our shared cinematic history. Whether it’s the hesitant romance between Maria and Captain von Trapp or the children’s own reticence accepting this new person into their life, the film examines the relationships that sustain and influence this family in ways that they cannot hope to understand. Directed by Robert Wise (“The Day the Earth Stood Still,” “West Side Story”), it’s a movie that evokes joy, love, danger and the ever-present threat of militaristic action that permeated the world in the time leading up to the start of World War II. When: Sunday, Sept. 9 Where: Regal Hamilton Place 8, AMC Chattanooga 18 Rating: G https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXqsrJ36IsE “Sorry to Bother You” A brilliantly absurdist comedy, director Boots Riley’s “Sorry to Bother You” is an astonishing look into corporate politics and social engineering. Following Cassius “Cash” Green as he takes on a telemarketing job with WorryFree, a company that exists in an alternate present-day version of Oakland, the film slowly reveals that Cash has a particular talent for using his “white voice” to sell products. Before the end of the film, we’re privy to genetic manipulation, capitalist debauchery and visual tricks that would make Michel Gondry blush. The film is being re-released for a limited time across the country, and you can catch it at few local theaters this week. When: Monday-Wednesday, Sept. 3-5 Where: AMC Chattanooga 18, AMC Classic Majestic 12 Rating: R https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enH3xA4mYcY “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"/"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” This weekend brings more Hogwarts goodness in the form of “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” and “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” the third and fourth entries in the Harry Potter saga respectively. Losing the relatively kid-friendly atmospheres of the first two films, these movies develop a darker picture of Harry’s world, focusing on the impending resurrection of the dark wizard Voldemort. AMC Chattanooga 18 will be screening “Prisoner of Azkaban” at 2 p.m. on Sunday with “Goblet of Fire” following at 6 p.m. Beware the dementors and keep your petronus close at hand. When: Sunday, Sept 9 Where: AMC Chattanooga 18 Rating: PG-13 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAxgztbYDbs “Perfect Blue” The line between reality and fantasy is irrevocably blurred in director Satoshi Kon’s stylish and seductive thriller, “Perfect Blue.” Released in 1998, the film follows the life of rising pop star Mima who steps away from her music career to try her hand at being an actress and model. Prescient in its use of internet stalking and online anonymity resulting in psychological trauma, the film directly influenced director Darren Aronofsky in his films “Requiem for a Dream” and “Black Swan.” When those around her begin to be murdered, alternate realities and visions begin to seep into Mima’s life. As this stalker closes in on her, the true nature of her world and those she cares about comes crashing down around her. A beautiful and haunting film, “Perfect Blue” is a complex and compelling film that keeps you guessing until the final reveal. When: Thursday, Sept. 6 Where: AMC Classic Northgate 14 Rating: R https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jkMh5Wply4 Joshua Pickard covers local and national music, film and other aspects of pop culture. You can contact him on Facebook, Twitter or by email. The opinions expressed in this column belong solely to the author, not Nooga.com or its employees.
