Hudson Valley Crucial Viewing: May 24- June 6

Hello friends, and welcome to Crucial Viewing. Excited to report we have a new editorial voice writing the descriptions of each film, Bel Simek! Bel is a born-n-raised Kingston local you might recognize from behind the bar at midtown venue Tubby's. They're an alum from the Bard College film program, where their focus was in international, mid-century films and late 20th century Hollywood filmmaking, with a particular interest in queer representation in film. We’re very excited that Bel was willing to volunteer their time and energy towards our project! Thank you and welcome Bel.

One quick plug before the calendar: we at the Kingston Film Foundation recently rolled out our new Popcorn Club membership program! For as little as $10 a year, you can support us in our efforts to bring repertory film to Kingston. We’re getting some extremely sharp personalized membership cards printed for all our members, and if you sign up by next Tuesday the 28th, we should have them ready for you by our Les Blank screening at Tubby’s on June 2. See you there!

Man Ray's RETURN TO REASON
Four short films, with new score by SQÜRL
Time and Space Ltd, Hudson – Saturday, May 25 through Monday, May 27

Man Ray’s photography and his legacy as a pioneering American artist has made him a near household name for those interested in surrealism and dadaism. Though he is most well known for his portraiture and photography, his forays into the world of experimental filmmaking are incredibly worthwhile. This restoration of his earliest film was released by Janus Films last year for its 100th anniversary. Set to a new score by duo SQÜRL (Jim Jarmusch and Carter Logan, woah!), this is not to be missed for lovers of the frenetic and abstract. If you love Un Chien Andalou this movie is for you. A phenomenal example of early experimentation with the medium of cinema itself, it pushes the boundaries of image and montage and tests the limits of a new art form in its first few decades. (1923-1929, 70min)

Martin Scorsese's AFTER HOURS
with actor GRIFFIN DUNNE
Starr, Rhinebeck – Wednesday, May 29, 7:00pm

When we think about darling, dearest director Martin Scorsese, I think the first things that come to mind are usually his depictions of the seedy underbelly of New York, or his exceptional documentation of American rock music. After Hours is a cult classic black comedy that is often forgotten in our recollection of his filmography. Partially inspired by a monologue from radio personality and writer Joe Frank, After Hours flits and flirts between genres; at times a classic screwball comedy, and in other moments a tongue in cheek film noir. Following Paul Hackett (Griffin Dunne) through a series of misadventures in SoHo over the course of a single night, the film plays with our perception of gender, sex, work life, and transforms its setting, New York, into its own character. A simple commute home becomes a labyrinthian, almost mythic journey. If you haven’t seen it, you’re missing out on a treasure, and if you have, I’m sure you’re overdue for a rewatch. (1985, 127min)

Les Blank's IN HEAVEN THERE IS NO BEER? and ALWAYS FOR PLEASURE
Tubby’s, Kingston – Sunday, June 2, 8:00pm

I can’t imagine a better place to watch two Les Blank documentaries than a little music club in upstate New York. Blank’s filmography is an incredible treasure-trove, documenting lost moments of American traditional music. From Cajun and Creole to traditional Hawaiian, he provided what is often the sole documentation of music that is now lost to us. I came upon his films late and have been fascinated and delighted every time I see one that is new to me. He is the ethnomusicologist’s filmmaker. 

In Heaven There is No Beer? documents the multigenerational culture of Polka music, especially in Polish communities on the east coast. It gave me new respect for the tuba, and is an amazing document of a particular community culture in the late twentieth century. Always for Pleasure pivots us into the jazz culture of New Orleans. A beautiful, colorful portrait of one of the rowdiest, unique, and musical cities in the country. Nothing better than drinking a cold beer and watching two lovingly documented films about “American” music. (IHTINOB - 1984, 49min; AFP - 1978, 57min)

William Friedkin's THE FRENCH CONNECTION
Starr, Rhinebeck – Wednesday, June 5, 7:00pm and Thursday, June 6, 7:30pm

Love him or hate him, William Friedkin is inextricably part of the fabric of American cinema. A powerhouse director of the 1970s and 1980s, even his controversial films (I’m looking at you, Cruising) and his insane reputation can’t take away from the fact that his influence lives on. The French Connection is his most critically well-received film, earning him 5 Oscars and frequent appearances on “Greatest Films” lists. Adapted from a non-fiction book about two NYPD officers, it follows two narcotics cops as they pursue heroin-dealer Alain Charnier through the streets of New York. This is a classic “New York” movie, easily in my top 10 for the city (if you’re geographically obsessed like I am). Shot with a documentarian’s sensibility, it’s a great example of American neo-realism, and its commitment to a gritty en media res style keeps you locked in the entire time. Perhaps a shining example of an American “cinema verite”? I bet you’ve seen it before, but this is one of those films you can never watch too many times. Great to pair with After Hours, if you want two films that helped define the cultural image of New York City. (1971, 104min)