National Theatre Live and new film screenings set at art theater
The Rehoboth Beach Film Society’s Cinema Art Theater, starting Friday, Sept. 16, will present “God’s Country” and “Loving Highsmith.”
“God’s Country,” a riveting thriller and modern-day western, centers on a reclusive woman who moves to a rural town.
When a grieving college professor (Thandiwe Newton) in the remote, snowy mountains of the American West confronts two hunters she catches trespassing on her property, she is drawn into an escalating battle of wills with catastrophic consequences. Also starring Jefferson White and Tanaya Beatty, “God’s Country” is based on the short story “Winter Light” by acclaimed author James Lee Burke
A fascinating biopic documentary by director Eva Vitija, “Loving Highsmith” takes a unique retrospective look at a celebrated author’s life.
Based on author Patricia Highsmith’s personal writings and intimate reflections of her family, friends and lovers, the film casts new light on the famous thriller writer’s life and oeuvre, permeated by themes of love and its defining influence on her troubled identity.
Most of Highsmith’s novels, including “Strangers on a Train” and “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” were adapted for the big screen. The best-known of these is “Carol,” a partly autobiographical novel that was the first lesbian story with a happy ending to be published in 1950s America. Highsmith herself was forced to lead a double life and had to hide her vibrant love affairs from her family and the public alike. Only in her unpublished writings did she reflect on her private life and affairs. Excerpts from these notes, voiced by Gwendoline Christie, are beautifully interwoven with archival material of her and her most famous novel adaptions to create a vivid, touching portrait.
Screenings of National Theatre Live’s production of “Straight Line Crazy” start Monday, Sept. 19. Ralph Fiennes leads the cast in David Hare’s blazing account of the most powerful man in New York, Robert Moses, a master manipulator whose legacy changed the city forever.
For 40 uninterrupted years, Moses exploited those in office through a mix of charm and intimidation. Motivated at first by a determination to improve the lives of New York City’s workers, he created parks, bridges and 627 miles of expressway to connect the people to the great outdoors. The rise and fall of one of the most influential urban planners of the 20th century is a cautionary but timeless tale about the impact the few can have on the many.
Admission for “God’s Country” and “Loving Highsmith” is $9 for members and $11.50 for general audiences. National Theatre Live admission is $18 for members, $20 for general audiences, and $15 for students with ID and youth under age 15. Purchase advance admission online at rehobothfilm.com or at the Cinema Art Theater box office in Lewes beginning 30 minutes prior to the screening.
