The Indianapolis Museum of Art’s Summer Nights film series is one of the most popular warm-weather attractions in the city
— at least, one where those who want to attend often outnumber the room the IMA has to accommodate them.
This year’s schedule, announced yesterday, seems designed to keep the crowds up — while doing little to stretch the cinematic minds of its picnickers. Running June 6-Aug. 29, it mostly consists of risk-free fare such as “Grease,” “This is Spinal Tap,” “The Goonies,” “The Mummy” and “Ghostbusters.”
Yes, there are the classics: “Gilda,” “Dr. Strangelove” and “Strangers on a Train" also are in the mix. And there's the interesting addition of the Indian cult film “Sholay.” But while the prospect of sipping white Russians while watching “The Big Lebowski” is appealing — and it will be fun to see the crowd at an outdoor midnight showing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show" — I’m wondering if the IMA could have done more to offer at least a few films that have some artistic rather than overtly commercial intent.
Is there a middle ground of films that could keep up the crowds and also feel like they belong at an art museum?
Your thoughts? And suggestions?
This year’s schedule, announced yesterday, seems designed to keep the crowds up — while doing little to stretch the cinematic minds of its picnickers. Running June 6-Aug. 29, it mostly consists of risk-free fare such as “Grease,” “This is Spinal Tap,” “The Goonies,” “The Mummy” and “Ghostbusters.”
Yes, there are the classics: “Gilda,” “Dr. Strangelove” and “Strangers on a Train" also are in the mix. And there's the interesting addition of the Indian cult film “Sholay.” But while the prospect of sipping white Russians while watching “The Big Lebowski” is appealing — and it will be fun to see the crowd at an outdoor midnight showing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show" — I’m wondering if the IMA could have done more to offer at least a few films that have some artistic rather than overtly commercial intent.
Is there a middle ground of films that could keep up the crowds and also feel like they belong at an art museum?
Your thoughts? And suggestions?
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You have the lure of the unique venue, so let that be the bait by which you reel (forgive the unintentional pun) people in to a different kind of film than they might otherwise catch on TNT (not even TCM!) on the very same night if they stayed home. There are even plenty of family-friendly offerings that could fit this mold. How many kids these days have seen Errol Flynn's ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD, for example? Or even MARY POPPINS, for that matter?
While we're talking about films, btw, let's pause for a moment to remember Anthony Minghella (THE ENGLISH PATIENT, COLD MOUNTAIN, etc.) and Arthur C. Clarke (the legendary sci-fi writer who co-created 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY with Kubrick).
I was really saddened about Anthony Minghella... he was a fantastic director. The English Patient is one of my favorite films - despite what some people think of it. Every time I watch it and I've probably seen it 20 or more times, I catch something different I didn't see before... to me, that's a great movie. It's complex and layered, not to mention beautifully filmed. I can't imagine how many fantastic films he had yet to make and now we'll never see.
As far as the art films go, The Toby theater will be used partially for that purpose. I'm all for cool, thought prevoking art films but I don't want to be watching them outside on a blanket.
ps. Yes, i do work at the museum.
Thanks for your posts.
The fact that (as Amber states) nearly every showing sells out only underlines my point. If the crowds are there, why not be more creative in your offerings, with films that fit better with the IMA? I'd understand that if nobody was showing up, you'd need to lower the standards. But the crowds are there.
I'm not suggesting screenings of Goddard. And I don't think this is the right venue for, say, a festival of 1930s Bulgarian cinema (if such a thing exists). Further, I'm not suggesting the Summer Nights is anything less than a terrific Indy entertainment offering.
It's just that, given the venue, I'd hoped for a little more artistic intent in the mix.
And that's not just because I can't stand Grease.
--Lou
Bingo. It doesn't have to be KOYAANISQATSI - but how about KING KONG (the original)?
Half-molted 1930s films set to a dreamy contemporary score. Charles Burnett’s Killer of Sheep. Early stop-motion animation. A talk by the special effects director of Blade Runner. A circuit-bending performance. These are the types of things we’re working to rustle up for the Toby. Culturally adventurous performances, films & talks in a comfy setting.
Visit the IMA blog (http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/2008/03/18/rightness-mum-summer-nights/) and make suggestions for programming you want to see. Door’s open for ideas.
Thanks for the note.
My radar is up for blatant self-promotion or PR disguised as blog posts. In this case, though, I think that each of the IMA folks added something to the discussion. I encourage those involved in decision making to join the rest of us and weigh in pro, con or confused on whatever topic I bring up.
If I feel it's tipping too closely to PR--or if people aren't identifying their affiliations--I'll call them out on it.
Lou
I appreciated reading everyone's thoughts.
Hope Baugh
www.IndyTheatreHabit.com