Can Dialectics Break Bricks Cinema: Frances

Sunday March 3rd 2013, Movie night: Frances (Graeme Clifford, USA, 1982, 140′). In English. Screened by Jeffrey Babcock. Door open at 20pm, film begins at 21:00..

The 1980s bio-pic about the restless and uncompromising Hollywood actress Frances Farmer. Frances was on her way to becoming one of the world’s leading actresses- but she had a wild streak that she wouldn’t let go of. After being stopped one day for speeding she ended up getting into a fistfight with a policeman. One thing lead to another and from cherished movie star her life fell to the very bottom, since she was considered rebellious and subversive by the police. Frances was locked away and would end up spending much of her life in mental institutions. And, hey… it all really happened.

This is a great film about what happens when you refuse to play the game and stick to what you believe in….for true individuals our society has its own special type of revenge. As a woman in the 1950s, she refused to just shut up and be a pretty puppet…so this dramatic film is more or less the true story about her life. Jessica Lange gives a performance of a life time in the lead role. Also starring Sam Shepard… and the music is by John Barry.

Filmmaker Kenneth Anger in his book HOLLYWOOD BABYLON dedicated a chapter to her and christened her “ST. FRANCES”. Kurt Cobain of NIRVANA obviously identified with her plight and would later record the song “Frances Farmer.

Film night at Joe’s Garage, warm and cozy cinema! Doors open at 20:00, film begins at 21:00, free entrance. You want to play a movie, let us know: joe [at] squat [dot] net