Film Series - Civics 101

Join film critic Walter Chaw for this quirky collection of films that focus on governing of the people, by the people, for people – gone wrong.  Chaw hosts after-film discussion each night; to read more of Walter Chaw’s film criticism, go to www.filmfreakcentral.net.

Logan’s Run

Tuesday, February 26, 6 - 9 p.m.

Shown in the Central Library, Level B2 Conference Center

1976. Directed by Michael Anderson. Starring Michael York, Jenny Agutter, Peter Ustinov.
Apparently in the future, everything is going to look a lot like Studio 54: people will all be young and beautiful, clothing will all be stretch polyester, sex and drugs will be encouraged, and we’ll all be dead before we’re 30. Don’t miss this ironic, sometimes accidentally funny sci-fi thriller that, despite itself, still manages to tell a provocative story about the dangers of ignoring our civic responsibilities. 118 minutes. Rated PG.

V for Vendetta

Monday, March 3, 6 - 9 p.m.

Shown in the Central Library, Level B2 Conference Center

2005. Directed by James McTeigue. Starring Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving.
What do you get when the government’s truth no longer coincides with the people’s truth? You get a government that uses its muscle to force the people to submit; you get the people meeting in curtained rooms trying to figure out a way to change the world; you get a society on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Fortunately, it’s only a movie – V for Vendetta – a weird graphic novel turned cinematic treasure that carries many lessons for the citizens of any government. 132 minutes. Rated R.

The Matrix

Tuesday, March 4, 6 - 9 p.m.

Shown in the Central Library, Level B2 Conference Center

1999. Directed by Andy Wachowski. Starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne.
Last night, while you were sleeping, you forfeited your real life so that someone could use your neurons as a battery pack. Better luck next time. But maybe it’s not too late – maybe there is still time to unplug from the giant machine, and create a reality where we’re all fully engaged and in control of our destinies. Take a few notes at this big screen revival of The Matrix and hopefully you’ll be able to stay off the grid. 136 minutes. Rated R.

A sign language interpreter will be provided upon request with five business days notice. Call 720-913-8484 TTY or contact Lorrie.Kosinski@ci.denver.co.us.