<< September 29 - October 1, 2006 >>>

Discuss this series with other film fans on:
http://www.myspace.com/americancinematheque

Starting as a musician, defiantly independent filmmaker Terry Zwigoff also held a number of mundane clerical jobs before embarking on his first film, the acclaimed documentary about bluesman Howard Armstrong, LOUIE BLUIE. It took Zwigoff almost ten years to realize his next project, CRUMB, a bullseye documentary about underground comics artist and blues authority, Robert Crumb. The time spent gestating the film proved well worth it as the picture broke records on its initial release, emerging as one of the top-grossing documentaries of all time. Then, once more, it was an uphill battle finding funding for his subsequent effort and first fictional outing, GHOST WORLD, based on Daniel Clowes’ deliciously satirical, offbeat comic. But Zwigoff was rewarded yet again, garnering critical acclaim and decent box office returns. Since then, remaining true to his convictions, Zwigoff is almost as well known for the big budget projects he has turned down as those that he has made. Zwigoff’s gunshy attitude toward movie mega-corporations seems to have been borne out when he ran into trouble with his harder-edged, original version of BAD SANTA with Billy Bob Thornton. The film was consequently re-edited with a few scenes reshot. Fortunately, Miramax has now made this original director’s cut, known as BADDER SANTA, available on DVD. Terry Zwigoff’s most recent effort is ART SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL. "I've stopped going to see art films because every critic gives them four stars and say things like "masterpiece," "spellbinding," and "mesmerizing." I mean, they're doing that with my film, but I don't want to use those blurbs. Critical reviews aren't worth too much anymore because just about every film can get one or two of them." – Terry Zwigoff.

Friday, September 29 – 7:30 PM

Ultra Rare Screening! LOUIE BLUIE, 1985, 70 min. Director Terry Zwigoff made his first foray into film with this portrait of obscure blues artist Howard Armstrong, 75-year-old musician, painter, poet, and all-around hellraiser. He bursts onto the screen as a celebration of life itself. This profile of "string-blues" presaged Zwigoff’s personal passion for blues and jazz music that would give his feature GHOST WORLD its extraordinary soundtrack.

GHOST WORLD, 2001, MGM Repertory, 111 min. Dir. Terry Zwigoff. An elegant adaptation of Daniel Clowes’ graphic novel, Zwigoff manages to make his first fiction film seem more real than most documentaries. A perfect portrait of youth, loneliness and 78rpm records. Scarlett Johansson and Thora Birch shine as a high school female duo version of Holden Caulfield. Filled with lovable and believable characters minus Hollywood sentimentality, including an unforgettable performance by Steve Buscemi as Seymour, the lonely record collector. Illeana Douglas is perfect as the politically correct art class teacher. Great cameo from David Sheriden. Actress Thora Birch will appear for discussion following the screening.

Saturday, September 30 – 7:30 PM

Terry Zwigoff In Person!

BAD SANTA – DIRECTOR’S CUT, 2003, Miramax, 98 min. Terry Zwigoff’s underground variation of MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, with Billy Bob Thorton as a completely foul- mouthed alcoholic con man posing as a mall Santa, who teams up with his friend Marcus (Tony Cox) to rob the store just before Christmas. A rare intelligent adult comedy. Hysterical and bold, Thornton is reminiscent of W.C. Fields, only more drunk and worse to children. Partner and elf Tony Cox is the perfect foil. Featuring the late, great John Ritter, Bernie Mac and Brett Kelly as the kid. (Please Note: No 35 mm print exists, so this will be screened from a digital video source). Discussion following with director Terry Zwigoff.

CRUMB, 1994, Sony Pictures, 119 min. Co-written with Robert Crumb himself, Terry Zwigoff’s first feature-length documentary is a devastating examination of a dysfunctional family, as well as a portrait of the brilliant and utterly twisted cartoonist (creator of Fritz The Cat and Mr. Natural). Zwigoff magnificently shows off his talent for giving both real life and fictional outsiders their cinematic due. Winner of several critic’s awards – including citations from the Directors Guild of America and Sundance Film Festival.