Classic Film Weekend - The Anti-hero October 5, 2007

The dictionary defines an anti-hero as "a protagonist who is
conspicuously lacking in heroic qualities." But of course, that begs
the question of how and who decides what heroic qualities are. The
Landmark Loew's Jersey Theatre begins our new season of classic films
with three ground-breaking movies in which writers, directors, actors
and, last but not least, millions of movie-goers gave their answer to
that question.

A Streetcar Named Desire Friday, October 5 at 8PM
Starring Marlon Brando, Vivien Leigh, Kim Hunter and Karl Malden.
Directed By Elia Kazan.
(1951, 125 mins. Given a PG rating for re-release.)
Tennessee Williams co-wrote the screenplay adaptation of his
groundbreaking play for this equally groundbreaking film that pushed
back the boundaries of how adult themes and simmering sexuality could
be presented by Hollywood in the era of the puritanical Production
Code. Brando's performance as the "Stella"-yelling Stanley Kowalski
not only made him a star, but entered the popular culture as a
definitive anti-hero. Vivien Leigh gave a haunting, Oscar-winning
performance as Blanche Dubois. Oscar-winning supporting performances
by Kim Hunter and Karl Malden, plus a moody jazz score and Kazan's
deft direction all ensure a hot-house atmosphere in which audiences,
then and now, feel the anger, desire and madness that could all boil
over at any time.

Bonnie and Clyde Saturday, October 6 at 6PM
Starring Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, Gene Hackman and Estelle
Parsons. Directed by Arthur Penn.
(1967, 111 mins. Pre-dates the rating system, but is not suitable for
young audiences.)
This loose adaptation of the real-life story of Depression-era outlaws
Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker exploded through American popular
culture in 1967, creating two indelible icons for the youthful counter
culture, utterly shattering Hollywood conventions about how
graphically violence could be depicted, and enraging some critics by
making heroes out of "bad" characters. Recently, The New York Times
suggested that Bonnie and Clyde was among the most influential films
of the latter half of the 20th Century. Don't miss this chance to see
Bonnie and Clyde on the big screen.

Cool Hand Luke Saturday, October 6 at 8:45PM
Starring Paul Newman, George Kennedy, Strother Martin. Directed by
Stuart Rosenberg. (1967, 126 mins. Predates rating system, but is
not suitable for young children.)
Paul Newman creates one of the most indelible anti-authoritarian
heroes in movie history with his dynamic portrayal of the title
character in Cool Hand Luke. The excellent cast includes George
Kennedy, who won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar, and Strother Martin
whose "failure to communicate" speech has become a part of the popular
lexicon. Arrested for the offbeat crime of cutting the heads off of
parking meters, it soon becomes clear to his jailers, the other
prisoners and the audience that Luke isn't going to be bent or broken
in spirit. Coming at a time when all authority was being questioned in
America, Cool Hand Luke, along with Bonnie and Clyde which came out
later in 1967, ushered in a new era in Hollywood in which
unconventional or anti-heroes loomed large.

Each screening is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors & children 12 years
old and younger. Combo discounts are available for multiple
screenings. Call (201) 798-6055 or visit www.loewsjersey. org for more
info.

The Landmark Loew's Jersey Theatre is one of America's grandest
surviving Movie Palaces, and now operates as a non-profit arts center.
The Loew's screens movies on our 50 ft wide x 25 ft high screen,
using carbon arc illumination for the brightest, whitest light. We
run reel-to-reel, not platter, which often allows us to screen an
archival or studio vault print that is the best available copy of a
movie title.

The Loew's Jersey, located at 54 Journal Square, Jersey City, is
directly across JFK Boulevard from the JSQ PATH Center, is minutes
from the N.J. Turnpike and is easily reached by car or mass transit
from throughout the Metro Area.

Half-price off-street parking is available in Square Ramp Garage
adjoining the Loew's. Patrons present a coupon to garage attendant
when they leave. Coupon is available at our box office.

Classic Film Weekends are presented by Friends of the Loew's, Inc.,
which operates the Loew's Jersey as a not-for-profit arts center.

Official Website: http://www.loewsjersey.org