Facets' College Corner: Bride of Frankenstein

This week in College Corner, student Brian Frehr of Oakton Community College writes about the Universal horror classic Bride of Frankenstein—just in time for Halloween! Inspired by a clip of Frankenstein shown in class, Brian watched many of the Universal classics, noticing the Expressionist visual style. Here is his interpretation of James Whale’s much-loved classic.

Bride of Frankenstein (1935) is one the many classic horror films produced by Universal Studios. Although it is a sequel to Frankenstein (1931), it’s thought by many to be a better film than its predecessor. Both were directed by James Whale, and the influence of German Expressionism is evident in both pictures. German Expressionists were famous for their unique use of mise-en-scene, which is the visual design of the compositions and includes elements of lighting, camera angles, set design, costumes, and blocking.

Darkness in Children's Cinema: Remembering the Work of Don Bluth

In honor of the 2011 Chicago International Children's Film Festival this month at Facets, I felt inclined to write on film fare made for children. This year's festival has a lineup of beautiful, funny, and smart kids’ films from all over the world, and I am an avid appreciator of this cream of the crop. When thinking of clever and challenging films made for a younger crowd, I gravitate towards a particular maker of movies from my childhood. And, his films still intrigue me. I've waited forever for an excuse to write about Don Bluth.

In the Cinematheque: Shut Up, Little Man

Shut Up, Little Man is a fascinating look by director Matthew Bates at the importance of audio in pre-Internet American culture, but more importantly, it reveals the interest in the lives of others that is so instinctive to us. 

VHS or Bust #5: 200 Motels

 Gregory Hess returns as guest blogger to offer insights into interesting films available only on VHS. And, where can you still rent titles on VHS? Facets, of course.

"Touring can make you crazy, ladies and gentlemen. That is precisely what 200 Motels is about. "

Frank Zappa’s 200 Motels begins with this fairly glib intro, half admission and half apology. But if you’re looking for an explanation for this manic, naughty little film, that’s about as close as you’re going to get. The opening credits roll over a blast of trumpets, and a Zappa-like figure descends from above, in a purple turtle neck, holding a magic lamp. It isn’t Zappa at all, actually, but Ringo Starr playing the part of Zappa. This character is referred to as Larry the Dwarf. Make sense so far?

Such is the world of 200 Motels, which features no motels at all, but a dizzying array of fictional lowlifes, bizarre alter egos of Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, and a dismally skunky portrait of 1970s flyover country. This wasn’t Zappa’s first foray into filmmaking, nor would it be his last, but it is likely his best remembered, thanks in part to the high-profile cameos by Ringo Starr and Keith Moon as “The Hot Nun.”

From the Cine-Philes: Programming Kidsfest with Ann and Kathleen

“From the Cinephiles” gives readers, members, and customers the opportunity to meet the staff, and Facets employees a chance to talk about their work outside the job. Just like files of important documents can be a resource for understanding, so are the Facets Cine-philes (our movie-loving staff) our greatest resource. 

 

October is here and that means that towards the end of the month, the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival (CICFF) will be occurring at Facets as well as other theaters across the Chicago area.  After months of preparation, a grueling selection process, and rigorous coordination, the festival, affectionately known as Kidsfest, is sure to attract audiences of all ages. [Top: From A Cat in Paris, playing Sun. Oct. 23, 5pm]