Film Event Highlights – December 2012
It's December, and that means some familiar films popping up in cinemas across the country. It's a Wonderful Life, a Christmas staple, is showing throughout the month; the GFT in Glasgow is also screening Meet Me in St Louis (15-17 Dec), and The Bishop's Wife (9-11 Dec), starring Cary Grant as Bishop Henry Brougham's guardian angel, Dudley. The GFT has also included some alternative Yuletide content this year – those who like their seasonal cheer with a bit of action will enjoy Die Hard (21 Dec).
The Belmont in Aberdeen is showing not one, but two Charles Dickens adaptations on Christmas Eve. Purists will enjoy the 1951 British classic Scrooge, starring Alastair Sim, while big kids and those seeking a more light-hearted version of the tale of a miserly boss and the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, can watch The Muppet Christmas Carol, starring Michael Caine, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and many more. Check out your local cinema to see which Christmas classics are screening near you.
The DCA in Dundee is showing Vertigo, voted the greatest film of all time in this year's Sight & Sound poll, controversially knocking Citizen Kane off the top spot for the first time in fifty years, on 28-29 Dec. Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece, starring James Stewart and Kim Novak, is a twisted psychological tale of murder, obsession, and love, with a stunning score by Bernard Herrmann. This is unmissable, unforgettable viewing, and deserves to be seen on the big screen.
In preparation for Peter Jackson's latest Tolkein adaptation, the Cameo in Edinburgh and the Belmont are screening The Lord of the Rings trilogy on 9 Dec. Starting at midday and finishing many, many hours later, this is a true test of endurance and dedication, but one that will undoubtedly be popular. Attendees are invited to dress up, so hairy feet are encouraged, smoking copious amounts of pipe-weed is probably not.
The DCA is showing In Bruges, Martin McDonagh's surprise 2008 hit, on 19 Dec. As with so many special screenings this month, there is also a seasonal connection. Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson star as two hitmen stranded in the Flemmish city a couple of weeks before Christmas, awaiting further instruction from their boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes). Boasting excellent performances that displays the two leads' comic timing, this black comedy is the perfect remedy for anyone who feels December is just too jolly a month. [Becky Bartlett]