T H U R S D A Y 0 8 M A Y -
W E D N E S D A Y 1 4 M A Y 2 0 2 5
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The Wellington Film Society: Embassy 12 May at 6.00pm and 13 May at 8.30pm:
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Rupert Julian, USA, 1925.
When film director Rupert Julian was presented with the script he declared simply: "Lon Chaney, or it can't be done!" For the film, "the man of a thousand faces" transformed himself into his most recognizable character. Using chemicals to dilate his pupils, cotton and celluloid discs to heighten his cheekbones, fanged teeth to create a horrific grin and wires to pull his nose upwards, Chaney became the menacing Phantom who lurks in Box 5 of the Opera - and in the dark cellars below. This spine-tingling, macabre masterpiece can now be viewed in all its grand guignol glory. Using the finest restored 35mm print of the 1929 reissue, and materials from archives around the world, and employing the latest in digital technology, Photoplay Productions created a stunning video master. The Photoplay team was also able to restore the stunning Technicolor bal masque sequence and has painstakingly re-created the Handschiegl color process used in the famous "Apollo's Lyre" scene on the roof of the Opera.
- Gary Tooze, DVD Beaver.
Accompanied by a specially composed score by and performed by taonga puoro practitioner Dr Ruby Solly, drummer Hikurangi Schaverien-Kaa and bassist Seth Boy.
Members only on Monday screening, but Tuesday screening also open to the public - koha welcome. Non-members must reserve their place here.
Film Society Memberships available at any time on line.
Film Festivals to note:
Architecture & Design Film Festival 2025 Embassy, Te Papa Soundings, Lighthouse Cuba and Petone: 15 May - 2 June. Brochures now available at the venues.
French Film Festival 2025 Embassy, all Lighthouse, Penthouse: 2 - 29 June. See link for details.
If you have a festival due to run in Wellington and it's not listed here, contact the Cinemaster.
This site relies on the various cinemas having their own websites up to date to access their screening times.
The paragraphs describing the films starting this week are in most cases adapted from the linked reviews.
For comments and movie news, contact the Cinemaster at
filmster@gmail.com.
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s t a r t s t h i s w e e k!
FINAL DESTINATIONS BLOODLINES -
No reviews yet. Twenty-five years after its first release, the horror franchise that made mundane life seem fraught with danger returns with a bloody but oddly moving fifth sequel.
Also Roxy, Queensgate, Monterey, Reading and Coastlands.
LIES WE TELL -
Here is a tightly laced, elegantly cut gothic period drama that might unfairly get overlooked as the barrage of upmarket cinema vying for awards begins. It's definitely something new and different as it insightfully reworks some classic feminist literary notions, filtered through a very 21st-century approach to period material with its unsettling score, jittery editing and nods to horror tropes.
Also Penthouse and Shoreline.
THE SALT PATH -
This tells the real-life story of Ray and Moth Winn, who lose everything after their bed and breakfast go bust. The couple embark on a journey along England's rugged coastal path that will test their physical and emotional limits.
Also Lighthouse, Queengate and Coastlands.
THE WEDDING BANQUET [2025] -
Andrew Ahn's consistently amusing and winningly sincere reimagining of the classic for a 2025 audience finds the queer community in a dramatically improved place. Ahn's collaboration with James Schamus, who co-wrote the '90s original with Ang Lee and Neil Peng, keeps the essence of its predecessor while shifting the focus to women.
Also Lighthouse and Monterey.
CLOWN IN A CORNFIELD -
A sort of It meets Scream energy courses through Eli Craig's film, one that's clever and thrilling enough in bloody spurts, even if it never quite reaches its true potential. Not unlike actual clowns, it's kinda creepy and kinda funny, but often not enough of either. Still, genre fans should be happy enough with some of the quality kills. Sometimes, that'[s what really matters most for a film like this one. After all, everybody loves a clown.
Also Queensgate, Monterey, Reading and Coastlands.
FORGIVE US ALL -
In a post-apocalyptic world, a virus has transformed humans into violently deranged cannibals. A bereaved mother has lost everything and takes refuge in an isolated mountain cabin, until a desperate wounded stranger arrives with a story of hope.
Also Monterey and Reading.
WITH OR WITHOUT YOU -
Inspired by director Kelly Schilling's own experiences, this tells the mother-daughter story of Chloe (Melina Vidler), a young woman with a traumatic past, who is intent on helping her alcoholic mother, Sharon (Dusseldorp), recover from lifelong addictions.
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