From May 17 – June 1, 2013, Film Streams at the Ruth Sokolof Theater is proud to present a special visiting artist series highlighting the work of filmmaker Noah Baumbach.
FRANCES HA, the latest from writer-director Baumbach, opens this spring, and that alone is cause for excitement. But we’re taking things a step further, using his acclaimed new film as an opportunity to celebrate a remarkable body of work that began almost twenty years ago. From the outset, Baumbach’s films revealed him to be a master of complex yet often painfully familiar characters and a genius at wielding quick, incisive wit.
Our series begins with Baumbach’s semi-autobiographical THE SQUID AND THE WHALE, the film that affirmed his standing as one of the most exciting filmmakers in the tradition of dramatic comedy. Then, we’ll offer his cult classic 1995 debut, KICKING AND SCREAMING, before highlighting his collaborative work with director Wes Anderson. We’ll feature the 2004 hit THE LIFE AQUATIC WITH STEVE ZISSOU, as well as FANTASTIC MR. FOX, which doubles as part of our “Forever Young” family and children’s series. Next, we’ll return to Baumbach’s solo oeuvre, screening his Chekovian exploration of family and self, MARGOT AT THE WEDDING and following with the funny and touching story of two lost souls in GREENBERG. Finally, on May 31, we’ll open Baumbach’s latest: FRANCES HA, a film whose vexing and endearing protagonist is already garnering rave reviews.
In addition to highlighting Baumbach’s work, we’re also thrilled to present a film he hand-picked for inclusion in the series, Éric Rohmer’s French New Wave classic LA COLLECTIONNEUSE.
