UPDATE: A flood of exciting films is hitting Los Angeles theaters this week, including the highly anticipated documentary series on legendary director Martin Scorsese. Notably, acclaimed filmmaker Rebecca Miller will present a retrospective of her work alongside a preview of her Scorsese documentary, premiering on October 17 on Apple TV+.
In a week packed with new releases, Mary Bronstein’s film “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” continues to generate buzz after its standout premiere at Sundance. Starring Rose Byrne as a mother grappling with her identity while caring for her ill daughter, the film has been described as one of the most powerful of the year. Critics laud Byrne’s performance, with Glenn Whipp noting, “Linda makes dozens of bad decisions… you will find you have no other choice.”
Also debuting this week is the adaptation of “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” directed by Bill Condon. This story follows two men imprisoned in an Argentine jail during the 1980s, featuring performances by Diego Luna and Jennifer Lopez. Luna’s portrayal has been characterized as “a revelation,” drawing critical acclaim.
Other significant releases include Harris Dickinson’s directorial debut “Urchin,” the documentary “Orwell: 2+2=5,” and Derek Cianfrance’s true-crime comedy “Roofman.” Expect thrilling narratives like Kathryn Bigelow’s nuclear-war thriller “A House of Dynamite” and Luca Guadagnino’s campus drama “After the Hunt” to make waves this week.
Beyond the new releases, the American Cinematheque is spotlighting Rebecca Miller with a special retrospective, featuring her 2023 rom-com “She Came to Me.” Miller will introduce the film and participate in a Q&A for her Scorsese documentary series, which features deep insights from notable collaborators like Robert De Niro and Spike Lee.
Miller expressed her excitement about the retrospective, stating, “You realize, no, I’ve been making these films for 30 years.” Her exploration of Scorsese delves into the spiritual themes in his films and the candidness of his life experiences, including his struggles with addiction and Hollywood.
Also on the schedule is a unique double bill at The New Beverly featuring John Carpenter’s “They Live” and “Josie and the Pussycats.” This programming highlights the thematic links between these films, both critiquing consumer culture in distinct ways.
For classic film lovers, John Sayles’ “Eight Men Out,” depicting the infamous Black Sox scandal, will screen in 35mm, while Robert Wise’s “The Sound of Music” will be shown in 70mm at the Academy Museum, offering a rare chance to witness the beloved classic in glorious detail.
This week’s film offerings not only promise entertainment but also provoke thought and discussion, drawing connections between past and present cinematic storytelling. As the film landscape continues to evolve, these new titles and retrospectives highlight the vibrant culture of cinema in L.A.
For moviegoers eager to dive into this week’s releases, now is the time to grab your tickets and immerse yourself in the compelling narratives that await. Stay tuned for more updates as these films make their mark in theaters!