Art! Trash! Terror! Celebration of Strange Cinema
From filmmaker, musician, former FANGORIA magazine editor-in-chief, DELIRIUM magazine co-founder/editor and CORMAN/POE author Chris Alexander comes ART! TRASH! TERROR!: Adventures in Strange Cinema, a new book from Headpress Publishing that collects a treasure trove of in-depth essays and edifying interviews that both analyze and celebrate some of the most eccentric and unforgettable movies in cult cinema history. From recognized classics, to misunderstood masterpieces, to unfairly maligned movies, ART! TRASH! TERROR! takes an alternately serious and playful - but always personal - look at several strains of diverse international horror, dark fantasy and exploitation film work; motion pictures that transform, transgress, challenge, infuriate, shock, and entertain.
To celebrate the release of the book, Cinelounge Sunset has teamed up with Alexander for the screening series “Chris Alexander’s ART! TRASH! TERROR! - Strange Cinema Celebration”. Taking over the theatre on January 25th and 26th, Alexander has curated a series of wild cult, horror and exploitation movies – including one of his own – and will read from his book while also welcoming some of his famous friends to the show to introduce the screenings and engage in lively, edifying Q&As.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25th
7pm – GRAVEYARD SHIFT (1990, w/actor Stephen Macht)
Based on the grimy Stephen King short story (published in his iconic anthology book “Night Shift”), director Ralph S. Singleton’s atmospheric, filthy and frightening over-the-edge monster movie has been often maligned and dismissed by many, including the author himself. But how very, very wrong those naysayers are! Featuring hordes of blood-hungry rats, layers of greasy sleaze, a stunning subterranean creature and a pair of wild performances courtesy of Brad Dourif and Stephen Macht, GRAVEYARD SHIFT is ripe (in more ways than one) for a renaissance! Joining Alexander for the show will be Macht, who will dissect the picture and tell tales of bringing his fascist foreman to lurid life!
9pm – MANIAC (1980, w/director William Lustig)
Taking its cues from TAXI DRIVER, “New Wave” psychodramas and Italian giallo films, director William Lustig’s unsparing New York-set slasher saga MANIAC needs no introduction – but Alexander and Lustig will give it just that, screening the film and then sitting down to speak about it, with each other and the audience. Lustig will be bringing the new 4K/7.1 surround sound version of the film, making this the “mother” of all MANIAC celebrations!