2011 AIA Summer Film Series

Films are screened under the stars (and occasional passing police helicopter) in the Abell Open Space (300 block of E. 32nd St) on Friday nights throughout the summer. All films are free and open to the public. In the event of rain, films are screened the following Saturday evening. Films start at sundown - showtimes are approximate. Animated short films will precede each feature.

For more information about the film series, contact Paul Burk

Film Summaries:

Modern Times
Modern Times was Charlie Chaplin’s last silent film (though it does include sound, vocal and musical effects), and the last to feature his trademark character, the Tramp. The film is a loosely structured series of comic set pieces satirizing the indignities of modern life. Containing some of the most iconic moments ever put on film (a nocturnal roller-skating sequence is exquisite), Modern Times is an enduring masterpiece that invites frequent viewings.

Avalon
Barry Levinson’s Avalon is a poignant, bittersweet tribute to the Baltimore of the director’s youth. Tracing the trajectory of a family of Jewish immigrants and their gradual estrangement, Avalon features a number of fine performances, though none of the actors come off nearly as well as the city itself. Catching a glimpse (albeit a highly stylized one) of Baltimore in the first half of the 20^th century - what could more perfect for a neighborhood celebrating it’s centennial this year?

The Producers
The Producers (this is the 1968 Mel Brooks original – still hands down the best version) is a high-energy farce that tells the story of a pair of inept Broadway producers trying to stage a flop (and flopping at it). Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder give hilarious, go-for-broke performances that mesh perfectly with Brooks’ inspired lunacy. One viewing of this film will have you humming ‘Springtime for Hitler’ for a week (and hoping like mad no one hears you).

To Kill A Mockingbird
Gregory Peck gives a career-defining (and Oscar-worthy) performance as benevolent uber-dad, Atticus Finch, in the 1962 adaptation of the beloved Harper Lee novel. Though it’s depiction of race relations may strike some as naïve and dated, To Kill a Mockingbird remains an endearing, heartwarming story that is hard to forget. Boo Radley is played by Robert Duvall in his first screen performance.

Spirited Away
The rare animated film that adults will enjoy as much – possibly more – than children, Spirited Away is legendary anime director Hayao Miyazaki’s masterwork.   In the words of film critic Terry Lawson, “Children may not understand everything that happens – I'm not sure even Miyazaki himself does – but they will almost certainly be fascinated, and undoubtedly delighted.” A film that, like all great art, is both vivid and ambiguous at the same time. May be too intense for young children.

Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs
1937’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was Walt Disney’s first feature length film, and today is rightly considered a landmark in the history of cinema. Featuring the labor-intensive, hand-drawn luminance that was to become Disney’s trademark, Snow White set the standard for all animated films to follow. It lacks (thankfully) the hyperkinetic pace of contemporary children’s fare, but achieves a sublime, almost hypnotic, quality that few films (animated or otherwise) can touch. Every child should watch this film – MANY, MANY TIMES.

TBD – Audience Member’s Choice
This one’s up for grabs. Send in your selections and we’ll put it to a vote.