The Light House Cinema, Smithfield, Dublin is bringing movie fans a season of films starring the legendary Marlon Brando.
Screen icon Marlon Brando is the latest inspiration for the Light House Cinema’s on-going series of seasons and retrospectives. Having already presented seasons focusing on Ennio Morricone, Alfred Hitchcock, Film Noir, Tim Burton and John Hughes, Dublin’s coolest cinema is now looking at the legacy of the surly, sexy star whose acting technique revolutionised actors’ screen presence forever.
From August 21st, the season looks back at some incredible films starring the screen giant.
A Streetcar Named Desire From August 21
“I’m the King around here, and don’t you forget it”
Elia Kazan’s sweaty working-class drama features Brando as a fiery brute with a complicated relationship with the women in his life. Based on the play by Tennessee Williams, it’s easy to see why the young, intense Brando caught the attention of the world.
The Wild One From August 28
‘What are you rebelling against?’ ‘What have you got?’
The spirit of post-war rebellion is at the forefront of stylish and iconic biker drama, The Wild One. Brando cemented his bad-boy image and forever made leather jackets cool with his role as Johnny, leader of one of two rival biker gangs who invade and cause havoc in a small town.
On The Waterfront From September 4
“I coulda’ been a contender”
Brando plays down on his luck longshoreman who battles the corruption of the dockers’ union boss. Exquisitely shot and extraordinarily moving, this second collaboration between Brando and Kazan is one of the most important film of the 1950’s and one of the most beloved of all time.
Guys and Dolls From September 11
“Luck be a lady tonight”
In quite a dramatic change from his usual fare, Brando turned his hand to the musical genre for a big-screen adaptation of Guys and Dolls. Co-starring Frank Sinatra and Jean Simmons, this highly entertaining musical classic set in the world of high-rolling gamblers is a rare light tone in Brando’s filmography.
The Godfather From September 18
“I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse”
Generally accepted as among the greatest films ever made and quite possibly Brando’s most memorable role, Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather follows the crumbling Corleone mafia family as the ageing patriarch (Brando) prepares his son Michael (Al Pacino) for taking his place as head of the family.
Last Tango in Paris From September 25
“Let me peruse you and remember you… always like this”
Barnardo Bertolucci directs Brando as an enigmatic American who embarks on a strange sexual relationship with a young French woman. Controversial upon its release for its sexual content, the film ensured that the world didn’t forget that Marlon Brando is an actor willing to take risks.
Apocalypse Now (part of the Light House Cinema Book Club) Sep 30
“The horror… the horror”
Though his screen time in the film only amounts to a matter of minutes, it is undeniable that Brando’s stunning turn as Colonel Kurtz is the dark heart and soul of Coppola’s stunning war drama. This month, Light House Cinema and Chapters Cinema Book Club will read Joseph Conrad’s novella Heart of Darkness, before screening Apocalypse Now. Following the screening, there will a discussion of the adaptation in the Light House bar.
Tickets for the season are now on sale. SPECIAL OFFER: Any 3 films for €21 when booked in person at the box office
See www.lighthousecinema.ie for more information.