Theme for May 19, 2012

Monsters of the Environment

This week's films explore the impact of environmental irresponsibility and neglect.

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8:01 pm

The China Syndrome (1979)

News reporter Kimberly Wells (Jane Fonda) is sent to cover a human interest story at the Ventana nuclear power plant. While there, a disaster nearly occurs with the incident caught on tape. But her TV station bosses back off from airing the footage. Meanwhile, an honest plant engineer Jack Godell (Jack Lemmon) begins investigating the safety of the plant and a possible cover up from the plant owners, putting his life in danger. Also starring Michael Douglas, the riveting film was directed by James Bridges. Nominated for four Academy Awards.

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10:05 pm

Envirohorrors: The Interviews
The Interviews compares both The China Syndrome and The Host and how they fit into the environmental climate of their times. Featuring discussions with The China Syndrome writers Mike Gray and T.S. Cook, actors Richard Herd and Scott Wilson (The Host) and reactor physicist Jeremy Whitlock.
10:30 pm

The Host (Korea, 2006)

Gang-du is working at his food-stand along the Han River when the unthinkable happens - a monster emerges from the river and grabs his daughter. The government announces the thing is the host of an unknown virus. When Gang-du receives a phone call from his still-alive daughter, he jumps into action to save her. The funny, scary, thrilling, environmentally-conscious movie is South Korea's highest-grossing film to date. Directed by Joon-ho Bong.

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12:30 am

Envirohorrors!
The Interviews compares The China Syndrome (1979) and The Host (2006) and how they fit into the environmental climate of their times. Featuring discussions with The China Syndrome writers Mike Gray and T.S. Cook, actors Richard Herd and Scott Wilson (The Host), reactor physicist Dr. Jeremy Whitlock and film critic Adam Nayman.
1:00 am

The Quiet American (2002)
Love, politics and intrigue intermingle in this taut retelling of Graham Greene's classic tale of a disillusioned British journalist, an idealistic young American and the Vietnamese woman that comes between them in 1950s Saigon. Starring Michael Caine and Brendan Fraser. Directed by Phillip Noyce.
2:45 am

Frida (2002)

The film follows the life of Frida Kahlo - from her nagging physical injuries to her tumultuous relationship with her husband - and how she channelled her struggles into her painting. Starring Salma Hayek in the title role and Alfred Molina as her husband Diego Rivera. Julie Taymor directs the film with a distinct visual style.