As we settle in for Halloween at the Eldon Building, we feel an urge to remind our audiences that films start screening at 7pm sharp – no ads, no trailers – so make sure you’re prompt and don’t miss the beginning (allowing time to visit the University café beforehand). This week is devoted to two decidedly different takes on horror, with Tim Burton’s brilliant animation Corpse Bride and Neil Marshall’s flesh creeping The Descent. Please please make sure you bring your kids to the right film (that’ll be Corpse Bride, a PG, on Thursday 30th)!
Looking ahead we’re thrilled to be presenting, among others, Tangerine (13/11), Sean Baker’s ground-breaking, shot-on-a-mobile LA story, a centenary tribute to Richard Burton in 1971’s hard-bitten Villain (14/11) plus a trio of demand classics: Jaws (20/11), Sunset Boulevard (27/11) and The Ipcress File (28/11). Tickets are on sale now.
Here is this week’s timetable. The Eldon Cafe opens at 6pm for a prompt 7pm start to the screenings.
Corpse Bride
Thursday 30th October at 7pm
You could be forgiven for asking why Tim Burton bothers with animation when Corpse Bride (and its predecessor, The Nightmare Before Christmas) cleaves so closely to the unique Burton look so familiar from his live action movies. But the stop motion is ravishing to look at and beautifully rendered. Based on a 17th century folk tale, Victor van Dort (Johnny Depp) flees his wedding to Victoria Everglot (Emily Watson), and finds himself in a forest where he encounters the titular deceased, Emily (Helena Bonham-Carter). Fantasy, horror and musical (courtesy of Danny Elfman) elements intersect as the ensuing relationships work themselves out. The Hollywood Reporter describes it as, “a wondrous flight of fancy, brimming with imaginative characters, evocative sets, sly humour and genuine whimsy.” A delight for all ages.
Halloween Film: The Descent
Friday 31st October at 7pm
Our Halloween film this year is not for the faint hearted. A British 2005 horror The Descent gained kudos for its all-female cast and depiction of genuine terror (New York Times: “indisputable and pleasurably nerve jangling”) and was a huge box office hit as horror films go. Six women enter an uncharted cave system in the Appalachians and fight to survive against the monstrous creatures, known as Crawlers, that lurk inside. Just who will make it through the harrowing ordeal alive? The Descent, now celebrating it’s 20th anniversary, is regarded as one of the best horrors of the 21st century and gave rise to a sequel in 2009. Like most audiences you will leave feeling drained and, happy thought for the day, isn’t that just what Halloween is all about?
Up Next Week:
Le Havre, The Curse of Frankenstein
Coming Soon:
NT Live comes to the Eldon Building! Yes, we’re continuing our popular presentations of the best National Theatre performances captured on film and sincerely hope you’ll join us on Thursday 4th December for Suzie Miller’s Inter Alia Filmed at the National Theatre, the play is a “searing examination of modern motherhood and masculinity”, produced by the same team as Prima Facie, and features Rosamund Pike in a much-acclaimed lead role. Tickets are a very competitive £13, available to book now.
