It’s October, and I think we all know what that means. Theaters everywhere are trying to out do themselves to lure big horror fans to the movies - thank goodness. Out here in Los Angeles, the American Cinematheque is offering a pack of cinema treats at both the Aero and the Egyptian Theatres. Covering everything from the classic to the bizarre, these cinematic spine tinglers are sure to appeal to the varied tastes of Halloween trickster.
In what is being called “The Beyond Fest”, The American Cinematheque is striving to bring the best in horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and “badass” cinema to LA cinephiles. A selection of films in this inaugural festival is scheduled to appear at both the Egyptian and Aero, so be sure to check the schedule for exact theaters and times (link). Programmed by genre fans for genre fans, the eclectic mix of features includes many LA premieres, classic film screenings and special events. For the classic movie fan there’s the John Carpenter fan favorite, Assault on Precinct 13 (with a live performance of the score by legendary composer Alan Howarth), and Richard Donner’s seminal horror film with a religious twist, The Omen will play with the director himself in attendance.
For those who are more into being part of an experience, the original 1930’s version of The Mummy will be part of a live radio broadcast, and Joe Dante (along with his “Trailers From Hell” team) will be presenting a double feature of his contribution to horror, The Howling along with the original Universal monster movie, The Wolf Man. In addition, the great silent classic, Nosferatu by F. W. Murnau will be presented via a new Digital Cinema Package - I can’t say that I know what that means, but it sure sounds like it’s got to be good.
Of course, there’s a lot more going on around LA (and indeed the country) than I can list here, so for more info use the above pic as a link for details. And wherever you go or do, have a safe and Happy Halloween!