We are initially attracted to a movie by its story, unless your first question isn’t “What’s it about?” but “Who’s in it?” or, alternatively, “Who directed it?” More often than not, though, the films that stick with us are memorable for their characters rather than their plots. Human nature and human behavior, in all forms and permutations, fascinates us more than anything else. Love ’em or hate ’em, the array of characters chewing the scenery on local screens this month is beyond entertaining.
In 1967, the great African-American director Shirley Clarke and a gay, African-American hustler named Jason Holliday collaborated on a one-of-a-kind movie. Portrait of Jason is an extended interview-slash-performance in which Jason — a substance-using prostitute — manages to be revealing, evasive, shocking, confrontational, vulnerable, discomfiting and endlessly fascinating. Let go of everything you learned about sociology and psychology, as well as the rules and conventions of documentary, and submit to a mind-bending trip with a real character. Portrait of Jason screens at the Roxie in a new 35mm print August 16-22. For more information, visit roxie.com.
The first time I saw Singin’ in the Rain was on the big screen, all but dragged by the lapel by a downstairs neighbor appalled that I’d reached the ripe age of 27 in a state of such ignorance. Perhaps you had a better upbringing than I, and discovered Gene Kelly’s enormous talent, Debbie Reynolds’ pink-cheeked charm and Donald O’Connor’s delightful footwork as a child. Regardless, you hardly need encouragement to tap-dance your way to Union Square Saturday night, August 17 for Film Night in the Park’s screening of Kelly and Stanley Donen’s 1952 masterpiece, from Adolph Green and Betty Comden’s sublimely witty screenplay. Plan to arrive by 8pm, blanket in tow; the opening credits roll at dusk. For more information visit filmnight.org.
