Thinking Outside the Multiplex in Indiana (December 16, 2011)
by HELEN GEIB
No new limited release films opening this week in-state and the repertory screening section is comparatively slim due to the university towns going on winter break. The paucity of new options is probably just as well- there’s plenty in theaters to catch up on, and better than usual Hollywood fare in the pipeline as well. What are your moviegoing priorities this week?
TOTM aspires to completeness! If you know of a limited release film, special screening, festival, or other movie-related event coming up, or something happening this week that isn’t listed here, please leave a comment or send me an email using the “contact us” form.
Note: Title links lead to the movie’s official website.
THEATRICAL HOLDOVERS (AND “RE-OPENINGS”)
Anonymous- Roland Emmerich’s costume drama/conspiracy thriller holds over at the Movie Buff Theatre in Indianapolis (at reduced showtimes).
The Descendants- A man who has been drifting away from his marriage and his daughters is forced to re-examine his life when his wife is critically injured. George Clooney stars in the new film from indie favorite Alexander Payne (About Schmidt, Sideways). The Descendants holds over at the AMC Showplace Indianapolis 17, AMC Showplace Schererville 16, Landmark Theatres Keystone Art Cinema in Indianapolis (still on two screens), Regal Village Park 17 in Carmel, Goodrich Quality Theaters Hamilton 16 IMAX in Noblesville, Rave Cinemas Metropolis 18 in Plainfield, Rave Cinemas Jefferson Pointe 18 in Fort Wayne, and the Showplace Cinemas East 18 in Evansville. (Since some of the Christmas releases open on Wednesday, it would be wise to look ahead to make sure it’s holding over if you’re wanting to see this at one of the multiplexes.)
Desi Boyz- This Bollywood film, set in London, looks to be a comedy-drama with an absurd premise and lots of musical numbers. (Is it my fault that generic description fits so many Bollywood films?) Akshay Kumar and John Abraham star. Desi Boyz holds over at the Republic Theaters Georgetown 14 in Indianapolis for a few more shows.
Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl- This Bollywood romantic-comedy stars Ranveer Singh as the titular conman, who makes a living by duping women into giving him money- until three of his victims figure out his game and decide to run their own con. Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl holds over at the Republic Theaters Georgetown 14 in Indianapolis.
Margin Call- This ensemble drama takes place over 24 hours as executives at a financial company try to prevent its collapse at the height of the crisis in 2008. Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, Stanley Tucci, Zachary Quinto, and Simon Baker are among the high-powered cast. Margin Call holds over at the Cinema Center in Fort Wayne.
Martha Marcy May Marlene- Elizabeth Olsen stars in this well-reviewed dramatic thriller about a young woman who runs away from a cult and its charismatic leader (John Hawkes, Winter’s Bone), but remains trapped in a psychological prison. Martha Marcy May Marlene opens today at the Cinema Center in Fort Wayne.
Melancholia- The latest from controversial director Lars von Trier is an unconventional study of depression that posits the eponymous planet hurtling towards earth. Kirsten Dunst is receiving rave reviews for her lead performance; co-starring Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland, Charlotte Rampling, and John Hurt. Melancholia holds over at the Landmark Theatres Keystone Art Cinema in Indianapolis.
My Week With Marilyn- That’s Marilyn Monroe, and she’s played by Michelle Williams in this dramatization of an interlude in the filming of The Prince and the Showgirl. My Week With Marilyn holds over at the Landmark Theatres Keystone Art Cinema in Indianapolis.
The Skin I Live In- Pedro Almodovar and Antonio Banderas together again. I’ve been avoiding reading plot summaries, but it has to do with a mad doctor obsessed with creating the perfect artificial skin and the woman he kidnaps to be his test subject. Check out the trailer at the official site for a glimpse of the fantastical visuals. The Skin I Live In holds over at the Landmark Theatres Keystone Art Cinema in Indianapolis (but ends Tuesday).
Take Shelter- Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road, the Boardwalk Empire TV series) has gotten rave reviews for his performance as a Midwestern family man suffering the onset of mental illness in this drama. Take Shelter starts today at the Yes Cinema in Columbus.
FESTIVALS, REPERTORY SCREENINGS, AND MORE
For additional information on venues and showtimes, follow the links under “Outside the Multiplex” in the sidebar.
Indianapolis and Central Indiana
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is the final film in the December Christmas movies series at Franklin’s Artcraft Theatre; Friday and Saturday at 2 and 7:30.
The last Vintage Movie Night of the year is tomorrow at Garfield Park Arts Center. Film collector and projectionist Eric Grayson will be showing another rare title, this time an unfamiliar version of “A Christmas Carol”: an hour long TV drama from the mid-1950s, starring Fredric March and Basil Rathbone; some holiday shorts will also be included in the program.
Also on Saturday, the monthly showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Irving Theater. As always, check the Irving’s website for the list of allowed and prohibited props; coming in costume gets you a discounted ticket.
Southern Indiana
Sunday at Shelbyville’s Strand Theatre, two Christmas perennials: It’s a Wonderful Life at 3:30 and White Christmas at 7; proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity.
On Tuesday, the Yes Cinema in Columbus is also holding a special charity event around a screening of White Christmas. The movie starts at 7 and will be preceded by a 6:30 Christmas carols concert and followed by a reception. Proceeds benefit the Lincoln-Central Neighborhood Family Center’s holiday assistance program.
The IU Cinema in Bloomington goes on winter break Sunday, but before that will have two more shows of The Skin I Live In, today and tomorrow at 7.
A few more movie showings in Bloomington’s Ryder Film Series before it too goes on winter break, with Love Crime today through Sunday and Mozart’s Sister tomorrow and Sunday; all screenings in the IU Fine Arts building.
Northern Indiana
Cinematheque for All, the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, and the Cinema Center @ Indiana Tech are on winter break until January.
NEXT WEEK AND BEYOND
A couple of foreign films are on the near horizon in Indianapolis. New on the Landmark’s coming soon list for the KAC is The Artist, slated for December 23. Also scheduled for December 23, at the G14, is Bollywood’s Don 2.
