Final Rooftop Screening :: Fritz Lang 'Metropolis'

Dear all,

Thank you to everyone who has made it over the last couple of weeks. Unfortunately, due to a mix-up of dates, next week will be the last screening on the car-park roof due to the fact that Franks Bar will officially be no more after the 27th September.

With this in mind, we have decided to change the schedule and play our original last-in-the-car-park series; Fritz Lang 'Metropolis' (1927). We think that this film is not to be missed given the surroundings in which it will be screened. Of course invite your friends, but make sure you bring plenty of blankets / cushions / hot toddy's etc; anything to keep you warm.

Again, due to the bar being closed, please send us an email to rachelandlydia@gmail.com (if you don't already have our phone numbers) so we know you are coming and can let you in at the gates.

Place :: Franks Campari Bar, Peckham (above Peckham Multi-Plex)
Time :: Monday 21st September, 8.00 pm
Price :: Free

We will let you know where we will be moving to; alternatively keep checking our blog for more info.

See you there,

Lydia and Rachel

Věra Chytilová 'Daisies' :: via youtube

Here is a short youtube with clips from the forthcoming film in our series; Věra Chytilová's 'Daisies' (1966). Unfortunately the youtube posted here doesn't have any English subtitles, but you can get the gist of the nature of the film without...

More info to be posted soon ----->>

Věra Chytilová 'Daisies'

Thank you to everyone who came to our first film night, was a great success - we thought it looked great and were more than happy with the way everything panned out. A huge thank you goes to Rupert and Dave who helped set everything up and let us pinch their sound system and projector for the evening....

So with that, we would like to invite you all to the next in our film series; Věra Chytilová 'Daisies' (1966). The screening will be at the same place (Frank's Campari bar), on the 14th September at 8.00 pm. As before, due to the bar being closed, please email us at rachelandlydia@gmail.com (if you don't already have our phone numbers) so we know you are coming and can let you in at the gates. Again, feel free to bring friends, but we are required to keep numbers to a minimum, so perhaps not too many.

Hope to see you there, bring blankets (it may get cold) and a hot flask of whatever you like,

See you there,

Lydia and Rachel


**Please note this event is free**

Tati's 'Playtime'

In Tati’s 1967 film ‘Playtime’ we see once again Tati himself take up the role of Monsieur Hulot, a character that dominates much of Tati’s works. Set in a purpose built version of Paris, ‘Playtime’ is characteristically consistent with Tati’s earlier films with the usual well-choreographed physical humour and minimal dialogue. However, where Playtime seems to differ is in its lack of focus on Monsieur Hulot and Tati’s avoidance of close up shots on the characters. At first its seems that Hulot’s individual actions are not central to the plot he appears as just another robotic character that responds to his controlled, sterile environment that regulates his movements through the city, resulting in the opening scene being encompassed by a dull methodical tone. Tati’s visual presentation of his regulated society is again humorous and meticulously planned. Impressive shots of rows upon rows of identical buildings and offices, as well as a standard blue print for homes reinforce Tati’s satire of capitalism and its consumerist nature. The Eiffle Tower can only be glimpsed in rare reflections in the pristine glass covering the set’s buildings.

Tati delivers a heavy critique on consumerism and the French petit-bourgeoisies along with bureaucracy and behavioural regulation. Themes of which coincide with many critical thinkers in France of the time and are apparent in Roland Barthes essays; The ‘Blue Blood’ Cruise and Myth Today (‘Mythologies,’ 1972). Although perhaps many dub this “big brother” theme as overdone and dated, Tati’s approach is refreshing, comical, and poignant.

Reminiscent of Foucauldian power-knowledge or biopower the films penultimate and epic scene sees Hulot and a group of American tourists leaving their scheduled paths and causing a playful disruption in a restaurant as the set falls apart around them. After all, the very nature of power-knowledge allows rebellion to co-exist, something which Tati reminds us not to overlook.

Screening No.1

Hello hello all you film lovers!

We would like to invite you to the first roof top cinema event, join us at Frank's Campari bar for our selected series of films. Beginning Monday the 7th of September at 8.00pm with the screening of Jacques Tati's 'Playtime' (1967). More info about the films in the series can be found at skawinskiandmarshallfilms.blogspot.com (please bear with us regarding updates!).

Due to the fact that Frank's is closed on Mondays it would be handy if you could rsvp if you are attending by emailing rachelandlydia@gmail.com (where we will give you a phone number to call) so we can let you in at the gates. Feel free to bring friends, however we are required to keep numbers to a minimum so perhaps not too many.

We hope you all can make it...bring some blankets and a hot flask of whatever you like.

See you there.

Lydia and Rachel

Any queries please don't hesitate to send us an email at the above address. Cheers!