Wow it’s been a whole week since we brought you a list of films, which means it’s time for another list of movies screening this weekend and beyond. We’ve brought you a whole bunch of films that are a little more mind-blowing than you might be used to– apparently there are some seriously mystical vibes in the moving image stratosphere right now.
Inherent Vice
Anyone who tells you they made it through Gravity’s Rainbow is a goddamn liar. But there are probably a few people out there who have actually read Inherent Vice in its entirety. But if you’re not one of the exceptional few, here’s your chance to see Pynchon’s book on film. Imagine that! A California-based private detective (Joaquin Phoenix) smokes a lot of weed and slinks around the wacky beach town where he resides, which makes for some pretty psychedelic investigations. His ex shows up and pleads with him to help foil a plot orchestrated by her BF’s wife to have him committed to an insane asylum.
This film could also be a great way for you to get over that awful movie, what was it again? Oh yeah American Hustle. My personal pick for worst film of the 21st century. Seriously the only reason people found it charming was because of the ’70s nostalgia. Inherent Vice has that, but you know, with a script that’s actually clever and, like, good actors (Josh Brolin, Joaquin Phoenix, Benicio Del Toro). Also, Paul Thomas Anderson directed it. So go see this movie and help banish last year’s utter disaster of a film into oblivion. And maybe you’ll be able to trick people into believing you’ve actually read Pynchon. Friday, Dec 12 through Thursday, Dec. 18 at Angelika Film Center; tickets, $14.50
The Stirring of a Thousand Bells
Matt Dunning’s tripped-out documentary exploring Indonesian gamelan music makes its New York City debut tonight at Spectacle Theater in Williamsburg. Gamelan has been around since before the time of Buddha, and typical instruments include metallophones, flutes, gongs, and drums. In the 12th century, the style of music evolved into something of what it is today. In Javanese culture, gamelan is an essential part of many holidays and ceremonies, including the Mawlid an-Nabi, Muhammad’s birthday–the annual celebration is Sekaten, and this is where Dunning’s film begins. The filmmaker will be on hand at Spectacle to answer questions and share footage that didn’t make it into the film. Friday, Dec. 12, 8 pm at Spectacle Theater; advance tickets available, $5
Scanners
There’s no excuse to miss a Cronenberg midnight screening. Ever. And even though Scanners is one of Cronenberg’s least insane Sci-Fi films, it’s still pretty freaking weird. Plus, the outdated technology that seemed futuristic in 1981 is sort of charming now when considering the kinds of awful stuff Black Mirror does to our minds. So take a break from plausible dystopian doom and go see this classic. Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13, midnight at IFC Center; tickets, $14
The Pyramid
I don’t think Egyptology has really been given its due by horror films since the Mummy franchise starring actor Brendan Frasier. And perhaps it’s been for the best. I mean, seriously, who could top that amazing trio that led to an even better spin-off series, The Scorpion King? The answer is literally no one. But The Pyramid stands up to the plate and may very will bring us a film of equal depth and artistry. It’s a classic plot: “There’s no way I’m going in there,” turns into, “OK, I’ll go in.” And apparently from there, super scary things start to happen. Friday, Dec. 12 through Wednesday, Dec. 17 at AMC Loews Village 7; tickets, $14
Silent Night, Bloody Night
It’s the most wonderful time of the year– for Christmas horror films. We won’t let any of these escape our radar, because let’s be real– the holiday season is all about blood, terror, and murder, and we wouldn’t want you to miss out. This “pre-slasher” shocker stars Candy Darling (of Warhol Factory film fame) and screen at midnight this weekend only at Nitehawk Cinema. Get there or like, don’t have a bloody holiday. Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13, midnight at Nitehawk Cinema; tickets, $14
