The Arts & Education Council will open its spring Independent Film Series today with "Another Year." Directed by Mike Lee, the film follows a happily married, middle-aged couple and their circle of friends through four seasons of change (see review at left).
Also ahead are "The Illusionist," playing Feb. 11-17; "Barney's Version," Feb. 18-24; and "All Good Things," Feb. 25-March 3. Future titles in the 12-week series, which concludes the last week of April, have not been confirmed.
The films are being booked on a monthly basis this year, according to organizer Denise Starbird. She said the reason is that studios are holding onto films longer than in the past to see how they do on the awards circuit.
Films are scheduled for a week's run at the Majestic 12, 311 Broad St. (See Carmike movie ads for showtimes.)
The AEC has a 2011 Film Club Card available for $15. The card grants matinee prices on evenings shows of films in the series, as well as discounts at area restaurants and merchants.
For more information, call 267-1218 or visit www.artsedcouncil.org.
COMING SOON in the film series
* "The Illusionist," Feb. 11-17: An outdated, aging magician in search of a stage meets a young woman at the start of her life's journey, and the ensuing adventure changes both of their lives forever. Sylvain Chomet adapted the original script, written by French comedy genius Jacques Tati, and brought it to life in his distinctive, hand-drawn animated style.
* "Barney's Version," Feb. 18-24: Based on Mordecai Richler's comic novel, this is the candid confessional of the title character (Paul Giamatti) after his sworn enemy releases a book that dredges up Barney's murky past. The film also stars Rosamund Pike, Minnie Driver, Rachelle Lefevre, Scott Speedman and Dustin Hoffman.
* "All Good Things," Feb. 25-March 3: Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst are at the center of this love story/murder mystery, which is based on a notorious unsolved New York homicide case.