These upcoming screenings have us Reel Psyched.
The year 2000 marked the first time Brits elected a Mayor of London (not to be confused with the Lord Mayor of the City of London). In the running was Malcolm McLaren, best known as the manager and oft-disputed mastermind behind the Sex Pistols (he also managed the New York Dolls, Bow Wow Wow, had a solo career, and was on a couple of reality shows).
In “Malcolm McLaren: Not For Sale” — featured in Wednesday’s “New Filmmakers: Films About Music” program at Anthology –Nancy Cohen and Andy Lee attempt to track down and interview McLaren about his run for mayor. He misses a few meetings with the film crew but they catch up with him eventually.
As a mayoral candidate, McLaren didn’t quite call for anarchy in the UK, but he was certainly more outspoken than our own City Hall hopefuls. In a manifesto printed in the New Statesmen, he floated ideas like: “Use Amsterdam as a model to reduce organized crime in the capital. This would have an added benefit: police would not waste time chasing pot-smokers.”
This week, celebrate Independence Day at an independent theater, or screening room. Here are our picks:
MONDAY-THURSDAY
“Hannah Arendt”
A biopic about the controversial German-Jewish philosopher who coined the phrase “Banality of Evil” for her 1963 work about the trial of former Nazi Adolf Eichmann. Trailer above.
IndieScreen, 289 Kent Avenue, Williamsburg; 7 p.m.; tickets $12
TUESDAY
“Argument”
Partially inspired by Godard and Gorin’s “Letter to Jane,” this is an essay film constructed from men’s fashion ads in an issue of the New York Times Magazine. The film raises questions about how effective political films can be in a climate where filmmakers are split between being completely honest, and trying to please Hollywood in an effort to get their films made. Followed by a discussion with filmmakers Anthony McCall and Andrew Tyndall.
Light Industry, 155 Freeman Street, Greenpoint; 7 p.m.; $7
“Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me”
While it never quite made the crossover into the mainstream during its short time, Big Star managed to be one of the most influential power-pop bands to date. This documentary covers their short career and the immense influence they had on the music world. Followed by a discussion with Big Star drummer Jody Stephens and filmmakers.
IFC Center, 323 Sixth Avenue, West Village; 7:45 p.m.; $13.50
THURSDAY
“Jaws” + BBQ brunch
Steven Spielberg makes our list twice this week (see below). Jaws, a man-eating great white, is attacking beach goers on the fictitious island of Amity Ville (not to be confused with NY’s Amityville of the famous Amityville Horror) on the fourth of July! You’ll be glad you didn’t go to the beach. Specials include a Shark Bite cocktail (rum, Blue Curacao, lemon, grenadine) and the Amity Dog (homemade beer mustard, sauerkraut, relish).
Nitehawk Cinema, 136 Metropolitan Avenue, Williamsburg; Noon; $11.00
THURSDAY – SATURDAY
“Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”
Nothing says Independence Day like George Lucas, Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford. “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” is the prequel to “Raiders of the Lost Arc” and sees Indiana in India in search of a mystical stone — and eating some rare delicacies.
Sunshine Cinema, 143 East Houston Street, Lower East Side; Midnight; $10
FRIDAY
“Near Dark”
In this vampire-western combo, a normal country boy-turned-vampire gets inducted into a gang of ruthless nighttime creeps by a girl he just couldn’t keep his hands off of. As he battles to stay alive he’s torn between wanting to belong to the vampire gang and getting back to his family.
Videology, 308 Bedford Avenue, Williamsburg; 9 p.m.; free
FRIDAY – SATURDAY
“A Band Called Death”
Before the Sex Pistols and The Clash, before the Bad Brains and the Voidoids, there was Death. While never catching on during their time, 30 years later they’re finally getting their due. An intriguing look at the accidental rediscovering of the band that was punk before punk.
Nitehawk Cinema, 136 Metropolitan Avenue, Williamsburg;12:30 a.m.; $11
SATURDAY
“Salo or the 120 Days of Sodom”
The last film Pier Paolo Pasolini ever made before he was mysteriously murdered, “Salo” is based on the Marquis de Sade book “120 Days of Sodom.” It’s done in four parts inspired by Dante’s “Inferno,” and has been banned in many countries due to its intense scenes of graphic violence, sex and torture. It’s banned in Malaysia, Iran and Sri Lanka to this day. Presented by Queer Film Summer Camp.
Bureau of General Services–Queer Division, 27 Orchard Street, Lower East Side; 7 p.m.; $10 suggested donation
