Date and Time for this Past Event
- Saturday, Oct 19, 2024 3:30pm
Details
Special Features: Intro by film historian Foster Hirsch on October 19
ZERO FOCUS [ZERO NO SHÔTEN] [ゼロの焦点]
This multilayered mystery is only one of several crime-laced dramas by the great (if still largely unheralded) director Yoshitarô Nomura (THE DEMON). Newlywed Teiko (Yoshiko Kuga) sees her husband Kenichi (Kôji Nanbara) off on one last business trip to his old office in Kanazawa and eagerly anticipates his return so they can start their new life. But Kenichi mysteriously vanishes, and when the police move too slowly, the resourceful, tenacious Teiko begins her own investigation. This cross between slow-burning character study and thriller offers a tense and spellbinding experience. (Note courtesy of Noir City.) DIR Yoshitarô Nomura; SCR Shinobu Hashimoto, Yôji Yamada, from the novel by Seichō Matsumoto; PROD Ichinosuke Hozumi. Japan, 1961, b&w, 95 min. In Japanese with English subtitles. NOT RATED
Followed by:
ACROSS THE BRIDGE
This adaptation of a Graham Greene tale improves upon the original thanks to some added plot twists. Rod Steiger gives a compelling performance as an arrogant industry captain caught embezzling. Fleeing to Mexico, he impulsively switches identities with another rider and throws the body off the train. Unfortunately, his choice of victim lands him in an even worse predicament. The film earned rave reviews and great box-office receipts in England but remains virtually unknown in the U.S. Leave it to Noir City to fix that! (Note adapted from Noir City.) DIR Ken Annakin; SCR Guy Elmes, Dennis Freeman, from the short story by Graham Greene; PROD John Stafford. UK, 1957, b&w, 103 min. NOT RATED
