Beat the heat by taking in some great films during this summer season at the Detroit Film Theater, starting with the a showing of the newly discovered and restored complete version of the 1927 German masterpiece, "Metropolis", from director Fritz Lang on June 11.
This version of the visually stunning sci-fi classic includes almost 30 minutes of footage found tucked away with a film collector in Argentina who had the only known full two-and-one-half-hour version of this film pretty much as originally envisioned by the legendary Lang. The extra footage includes additional scenes, and even some additional subplots.
I've seen horribly butchered video versions of "Metropolis" over the years, as well as what I consider a somewhat bizarre 1984 version edited by music producer Giorgio Moroder with a soundtrack consisting of 1980s songs from artists like Queen, Bonnie Tyler, Pat Benatar, Billy Squire, Loverboy, and Adam Ant.
So the opportunity to finally see this film as the director intended it to be seen in 1927, especially in the DFT's classic 1920s Art Deco-style movie house, promises to be a real treat.
The remainder of the DFT's summer schedule looks every bit as intriguing and engaging.
Here are some other films that look especially interesting to me this time around:
"An American Journey" is a companion piece to the Detroit Institute of Arts' exhibition of Robert Frank's photographs of small-town and rural America during the mid-twentieth century from his classic book, "The Americans". This particular matinee showing (June 12) is free with museum admission.
I love silent films, but grew up watching a lot of them in herky-jerky versions shown at the wrong speed on television or in college film classes, so I especially appreciate DFT showings of silent classics like this season's "Metropolis" or the 1926 Mary Pickford flick "Sparrows" (July 15). This is a free showing at the Orchestra Hall with a live accompaniment by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
Music fans are in for a real treat when the DFT shows Bruce Springsteen's "London Calling: Live in Hyde Park" (June 16). This is a special one-time-only preview showing of Springsteen's 2009 London concert with 100 percent of the proceeds going to benefit the DFT. Tickets cost $10, and you can buy them in advance.
The DFT's showing of a 1931 Spanish-language version of "Dracula" (July 16) happens in conjunction with this year's Concert of Colors, a world music and diversity festival previewed here at Midwest Guest earlier this week. This is a free showing of the flick with an all-Mexican cast filmed with the same sets, lighting and costumes as the classic Bela Lugosi version of "Dracula".
The DFT's summer schedule also includes a diverse selection of films from around the world, including a series of Mexican cinema classics, a quartet of films by African novelist and filmmaker Ousmane Sembène, and several filmed operatic performances from European venues.
Films generally cost $7.50 ($6.50 for Detroit Institute of Arts members, full-time students, senior citizens). You can also purchase discount pass cards for $30, which are good for five admissions to regularly priced shows. The summer season includes a lot of free matinee showings. Check out the full DFT schedule online for times and prices.
Note:
"Where I live" posts are part of a series of periodic stories about
special events and people in, and around, metro Detroit. "Where I
live" posts are stories I'll post in addition to my regular schedule of
stories about attractions around the larger Midwestern region. I hope you enjoy
reading them as much as I enjoy writing them.
© Dominique King 2010 All rights reserved
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