The Illusion of Depth

This week's film screening is going to be a little different from the others. It's not the most controversial film I have ever shown (I've screened Cuties and For Colored Girls ) nor is it the most difficult to watch (I once made you sit through Taza; Son of Cochise ... in 3D!). It's not a silent film and it's not an opera, so don't worry. It is however a bit long . When planning these film nights I have generally tried to restrict myself to films under two hours, out of consideration for everyone's bedtimes and/or sanity. There have been a handful of exceptions. I showed West Side Story   a few years ago  (2 hours and 32 minutes) and The Music Man (2 hours and 31 minutes) as well as Metropolis (2 hours and 29 minutes and  silent ). Our next film is about 15 minutes longer than any of those. Don't panic. Actually, two hours and forty-five minutes is quite modest when it comes to the world of epic cinema. Spartacus runs for more than three hours, and Ben

In 1945, Deanna Durbin starred in Lady on a Train , playing a young woman addicted to murder mysteries.  At the end of the film, she and her brand-new husband (a mystery novelist) are off on their honeymoon together. He is anxious to get their wedding night underway (if you get my drift) but she is completely engrossed in his latest novel, and clearly has no intention of putting it down any time soon. "You know what, darling? This is your finest book," she tells him, adoringly. Most authors love hearing such things from their fan base, but on this occasion, her devotion to his literary prowess is delaying the opening night   of their marriage. So, he leans forward and very deliberately says to her, "The man with the green hat did it." "Oh, Wayne," she says, annoyed. "Now you've just spoiled the whole book." Of course she then realises what's on his mind and all is forgiven, but this little scene represents one of pop culture's earlies