A remarkable week of cinematic experiences unfolded for cinephiles at the Davis Theater, highlighted by a special screening of Susan Seidelman’s classic film Desperately Seeking Susan on Wednesday, coinciding with a birthday celebration for local film enthusiast and Oscarbate Film Collective member, John.
John not only invited the birthday celebrant to introduce the film with him but also arranged for Seidelman to record a personalized birthday message, making the event truly memorable.
The screening brought to light the power of Seidelman’s work, a significant influence on independent cinema since her feature debut Smithereens, which made history as the first U.S. independent film showcased at the Cannes Film Festival in 1982.
Seidelman’s ability to portray complex female characters as proto-antiheroines in Smithereens and Desperately Seeking Susan is noteworthy, exploring themes of identity and personal agency in a whimsical, yet coherent narrative.
In Desperately Seeking Susan, the captivating performances by Rosanna Arquette and Madonna blur the lines of morality, leaving viewers enchanted by their relatable journeys rather than questioning their protagonists’ motives.
The film’s charm owes much to the blend of absurdity and logic that defines Seidelman’s vision of New York City, where fantastical events feel entirely plausible, including a woman who experiences amnesia and inadvertently navigates through chaotic circumstances with humor and heart.
Following the excitement of Wednesday’s screening, the Davis Theater showcased another notable film this past Friday—Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis, with the director present for a post-screening discussion.
Having seen it previously, attendees found themselves appreciating Megalopolis even more on the second viewing, drawing parallels to King Vidor’s The Fountainhead, with its exploration of progress both technologically and humanistically.
Coppola’s earnestness shone through in his two-hour dialogue with the audience, fostering a heartfelt conversation aimed at envisioning a better future for society, further enriched by the filmmaker’s unique approach using a whiteboard to illustrate points.
This blend of sincerity and genuine engagement with contemporary issues is a hallmark of meaningful cinema, where even modest or unconventional films can resonate deeply.
An example of this is demonstrated by Jess Franco’s work, notably Vampyros Lesbos, which screened at the Davis Theater under the Oscarbate banner.
While some might dismiss Franco’s films as sleazy or lowbrow, the presentation highlighted how their artistic elements contribute to a cinematic narrative that transcends typical genre constraints.
Franco’s film challenges the audience’s perceptions, encouraging a contemplation of beauty and the human form, seeing his depictions as high art rather than mere exploitation.
This week has undoubtedly underscored the power of film as a mode of expression and connection, reminding viewers of the joys of diverse storytelling, the value of dialogue, and the celebration of creative voices that provoke thought and inspire action.
As the weekend closes, cinephiles are left with cherished memories and invigorating discussions, looking forward to what’s next on the cinematic horizon.
image source from：chicagoreader
