OZU IN PLAIN ENGLISH

This October we celebrate the work of one of the most revered directors of the 20th century, Yasujirô Ozu, with screenings of two of his most celebrated films, ‘Tokyo Story’ and ‘An Autumn Afternoon’, and a talk, illustrated with a range of clips, from visiting speaker Dr Jasper Sharp, author, filmmaker and curator, the foremost expert on Japanese cinema in the UK.

Tokyo Story

SAT 30 SEP 13:15

SUN 1 OCT 17:15

WED 4 OCT 12:45

THU 5 OCT 15:00

BOOKING REF

‘Tokyo Story’ is a Yasujirô Ozu masterpiece whose rewarding complexity has lost none of its power more than half a century on. The elderly Shukishi (Chishu Ryu) and his wife, Tomi (Chieko Higashiyama), take the long journey from their small seaside village to visit their adult children in Tokyo. Their elder son, Koichi (Sô Yamamura), a doctor, and their daughter, Shige (Haruko Sugimura), a hairdresser, don’t have much time to spend with their aged parents, and so it falls to Noriko (Setsuko Hara), the widow of their younger son who was killed in the war, to keep her in-laws company. Ozu only has to train his camera on a face to uncover a sense of resignation, or longing, or loneliness, and the mood, if you allow it, becomes quite overwhelming. (Subtitles)

JAPAN 1953 YASUJIRÔ OZU 136M

MON 2 OCT 18:00

– IN THE AUDITORIUM

BOOKING REF

Ozu In Plain English

Yasujirô Ozu (1903-63) is regularly described as “the most Japanese of all directors”.

And yet nowadays his unique family dramas such as ‘Late Spring’ (1949), ‘Tokyo Story’ (1953) and ‘An Autumn Afternoon’ (1962) regularly feature in international critics’ ‘Best of’ lists and retain a power to move viewers of whatever cultural background. In this illustrated lecture, author, filmmaker and curator Dr Jasper Sharp attempts to cut through mystique that has been built up around the director over the decades since his death.

100M (INC 10M Q&A)

SAT 14 OCT 16:15

TUE 17 OCT 18:00

BOOKING REF

An Autumn Afternoon

Yasujirô Ozu’s last film is a superbly composed family drama about a father and daughter both intent on sacrificing their own happiness for each other.

In the wake of his wife’s death, aging Shuhei Hirayama (Chishu Ryu) struggles to maintain balanced relationships with his three children. He tends to spoil his eldest, the happily married Kazuo (Shinichiro Mikami), who spends more of his father’s money than his own. The middle child, 24-year-old Michiko (Shima Iwashita), is looking for love herself, but feels obligated to run Shuhei’s household and care for his youngest child, teenager Koichi (Keiji Sada), who can’t connect with his father. Ozu’s exquisitely tender final film should not be missed.

JAPAN 1962 YASUJIRÔ OZU 112M

SUN 8 OCT 14:30

TICKETS £18.50

BOOKING REF

L’ELISIR D’AMOUR

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

Expect sun, fun and vocal acrobatics in Laurent Pelly’s much-loved staging of Donizetti’s intoxicating and witty comedy. Country boy Nemorino is determined to win the haughty Adina’s heart, but she refuses to give him the time of day. Can Doctor Dulcamara’s so-called ‘elixir of love’ work its magic? Conductor Sesto Quatrini makes his house debut, as does soprano Nadine Sierra in the role of Adina. She is joined by Liparit Avetisyan, Boris Pinkhasovich and the incomparable Bryn Terfel as the genial wheeler-dealer Doctor Dulcamara. Sung in Italian with English subtitles.

200M APPROX INC INTERVAL

A Cat Called Dom

MON 9 OCT 13:15

TUE 12 OCT 18:15

BOOKING REF

Scottish animators Will Anderson and Ainslie Henderson star in and co-direct this inventive documentary where an animator edits together pieces of a failed film for his mother.

Albeit framed as a film for Will’s mother, we too are invited to witness how Will deals with the grief of his mother’s cancer. The duo work on their animations and face the frustrations of trying to make this documentary. Whilst alone, Will turns to DOM, the animated cat that lives on his laptop screen. Over the course of several confusing years, struggling to raise finance and complicating everyone’s lives, the project stalls. Attempting to reclaim the initial sentiment of the film, and in the hope of finding closure for both him and his mum, Will edits together pieces of the failed film to share with her.

UK 2022 WILL ANDERSON / AINSLIE HENDERSON 75M

FRI 6 OCT 18:00

TUE 10 OCT 20:15

BOOKING REF

ANGELHEADED HIPSTER: THE SONGS OF MARC BOLAN

Celebrating the life and work of glam rock pioneer Marc Bolan, combined with a behind-the-scenes look at the tribute album of the same name.

‘Angelheaded Hipster’ is the first documentary to explore the creation and interpretation of the music and lyrics of Marc Bolan who died at the age of 29 in 1977. Using archival performances, interviews with Bolan, and filmed interpretations by artists such as Nick Cave, John Cameron Mitchell, Joan Jett, Macy Gray, U2, Lucinda Williams, Father John Misty and others, this documentary creates an exuberant and thoughtful celebration of a true original. Illuminated with interviews by his great friend David Bowie, Ringo Starr, Elton John and many more. We will also be screening ‘Bolan’s Shoes’ starring Timothy Spall from 20 Oct.

USA 2022 ETHAN SILVERMAN 100M

Cobweb

SAT 7 OCT 20:45

THU 12 OCT 16:00

BOOKING REF

Things go bump in the night in this derivative, pulpy and very very scary ‘monster in the basement’ movie.

Eight-year-old Peter is plagued by a mysterious, constant tap, tap from inside his bedroom wall – a tapping that his parents insist is all in his imagination. As Peter’s fear intensifies, he believes that his parents (Lizzy Caplan and Antony Starr) could be hiding a terrible, dangerous secret and questions their trust. And for a child, what could be more frightening than that? The film benefits from strong performances and a haunting atmospheric tone. Chris Thomas Devlin’s script has enough sick, witty ideas to make the fearsome goings-on seem fresh and immediate. The second of four horror films this season that make up the Chichester Cinema Creepy Carnival that leads up to Halloween.

USA 2023 SAMUEL BODIN 88M

FRI 13 OCT 13:15 & 18:00

SAT 14 OCT 12:15 & 18:30

SUN 15 OCT 13:00 & 20:15

MON 16 OCT 13:30 & 18:00

TUE 17 OCT 15:30 & 20:30

WED 18 OCT 13:00 & 15:30

THU 19 OCT 15:30 & 19:45

BOOKING REF

The Old Oak

A northern pub landlord confronts locals’ hostility towards Syrian immigrants in Ken Loach’s latest – and possibly last – piece of politically trenchant cinema.

The Old Oak is the name of his pub, the one community meeting place in a deprived north-eastern former mining town – and it is in dire need of refurbishment. His regulars are seething with rage, livid at the collapse in house prices and brooding over YouTube videos about immigrants. Then a busload of terrified Syrians arrives and the tension gets worse. Rather than show you what solidarity looks like, Loach lets you in on what it feels like. The result is one of his most moving films, a presentation of the world not as Loach thinks it should be, but as it might and can become.

UK 2023 KEN LOACH 113M

40th Anniversary Remaster Stop Making Sense

SAT 14 OCT 20:45

BOOKING REF

Considered by critics as the greatest concert film of all time, the live performance was shot over the course of three nights at Hollywood’s Pantages Theatre in December 1983.

Newly restored in 4K to coincide with its 40th anniversary, director Jonathan Demme captures the frantic energy and artsy groove of Talking Heads in this concert movie shot at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in 1983. The band’s frontman, David Byrne, first appears on an empty stage, armed with only an acoustic guitar, and is gradually joined by bassist Tina Weymouth, drummer Chris Frantz, keyboardist Jerry Harrison and a cadre of backup singers as they perform the band’s hits, culminating in an iconic performance featuring Byrne in an enormous suit. ‘Stop Making Sense’ brilliantly represents Demme’s endless love of musical performance and gleeful urgency.

USA 1984 JONATHAN DEMME 88M

FRI 13 OCT 15:45

SUN 15 OCT 18:00

MON 16 OCT 20:30

TUE 17 OCT 13:15

WED 18 OCT 20:00

THU 19 OCT 13:15

The Lesson

A young author takes a tutoring position at the estate of a legendary writer. Starring Richard E. Grant and Julie Delpy. Liam (Daryl McCormack), an aspiring and ambitious young writer, eagerly accepts a tutoring position at the family estate of his idol, renowned author J.M. Sinclair (Academy Award nominee Richard E. Grant). But soon, Liam realises that he is ensnared in a web of family secrets, resentment and retribution. Sinclair, his wife Hélène (Academy Award nominee Julie Delpy), and their son Bertie (Stephen McMillan) all guard a dark past, one that threatens Liam’s future as well as their own. Cleverly constructed, fresh and fascinating, the film unfolds with a tonic intelligence and a slow accretion of menace, Alex MacKeith’s screenplay is smoothly in sync with the specific skills of each performer.

UK 2023 ALICE TROUGHTON 103M

SAT 14 OCT 14:30

THU 19 OCT 18:00

TICKETS £12.50

BOOKING REF

LEONARDO: THE WORKS EXHIBITION ON SCREEN

This is the second Exhibition on Screen documentary of the season in readiness for the new release of ‘Klimt & the Kiss’ in late October. Many TV shows and feature films have showcased this extraordinary genius but often not examined closely enough is the most crucial element of all: his art. Leonardo’s peerless paintings and drawings will be the focus of ‘Leonardo: The Works’, as Exhibition on Screen presents every single attributed painting, in Ultra HD quality, never seen before on the big screen. Key works include ‘The Mona Lisa’, ‘The Last Supper’, ‘Lady with an Ermine’, ‘Ginevra de Benci’, ‘Madonna Litta’, ‘Virgin of the Rocks’, and more than a dozen others. This film also looks afresh at Leonardo’s life – his inventiveness, his sculptural skills, his military foresight and his ability to navigate the treacherous politics of the day – through the prism of his art. Released in 2018 on the 500th anniversary of his death, this is the definitive film about Leonardo: the first to truly tell the whole story.

UK 2018 PHIL GRABSKY 85M

FRI 13 OCT 20:30

MON 16 OCT 16:00

WED 18 OCT 18:00

BOOKING REF

Fremont

An Afghan woman and former translator for the US army living in California dreams of new adventures in Babak Jalali’s fourth feature.

Donya works for a Chinese fortune cookie factory in San Francisco. Formerly a translator for the US military in Afghanistan, she struggles to put her life back in order. Her routine changes when she’s promoted to writing the fortunes at her job at a fortune cookie factory in the city. In a moment of sudden revelation, she decides to send out a special message in a cookie. Featuring a cast of unforgettable, unique characters, and anchored by a beguiling debut performance from real-life Afghan refugee Anaita Wali Zada, Fremont is an ode to the curious beauty of trying to build a new life in a strange land.

USA 2023 BABAK JALALI 91M

ONLY

£2.50

FAMILY

TUE 24 OCT 13:30

WED 25 OCT 12:45

THU 26 OCT 13:45

BOOKING REF

The Canterville Ghost

An American family moves in to Canterville Chase, a stately countryside mansion that has been haunted by the ghost Sir Simon De Canterville for 300 years. In this vivid adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic children’s story, the ghost of Sir Simon Canterville (Stephen Fry) has been roaming his castle for centuries, searching for a descendant who can release him from his curse by performing a brave deed. The only problem is – he keeps scaring them away! Finally - a family move in, who refuse to be startled, and Sir Simon is able to tell his tale to the inquisitive and courageous Virgina (Emily Carey). Can the two of them survive The Ghost Catcher (Miranda Hart), and The Reverend (Toby Jones), to bring balance to the castle and set Sir Simon free? The all-star voice cast features Hugh Laurie, Imelda Staunton and Freddie Highmore.

UK 2023 KIM BURDON & ROBERT CHANDLER 89M

SUN 15 OCT 15:15

TICKETS £15

BOOKING REF

An Evening With Jonas Kaufmann

ARENA DI VERONA

In the magical setting of the Arena di Verona, celebrating its 100th season, the ‘King of Tenors’ Jonas Kaufmann will take you on an unforgettable musical journey.

Featuring the most beautiful opera arias, moving songs and film classics, such as ‘West Side Story’. His unique voice, his naturalness and his charisma have made him one of the most popular musical artists worldwide. He is joined by Sonya Yoncheva and Ludovic Tézier at this unique gala evening under the Italian summer sky.

135M INC INTERVAL

Dead Man Walking

MET OPERA PREMIERE

SUN 22 OCT 14:30

TICKETS £20

BOOKING REF

Jake Heggie’s powerful work has its highly anticipated Met premiere in a new production by Ivo van Hove. Based on Sister Helen Prejean’s memoir about her fight for the soul of a condemned murderer, ‘Dead Man Walking’ matches the high drama of its subject with Heggie’s poignant music and a libretto by Tony and Emmy Award–winner Terrence McNally. Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin takes the podium, with mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato starring as Sister Helen. The cast also features bassbaritone Ryan McKinny as the death row inmate Joseph De Rocher, soprano Latonia Moore as Sister Rose, and mezzo-soprano Susan Graham – who sang Helen Prejean in the opera’s 2000 premiere –as De Rocher’s mother. Sung in English with subtitles.

195M INC INTERVAL

SAT 14 OCT 10:00

– IN THE AUDITORIUM

BOOKING REF

PAUL ROBESON: THE TALLEST TREE IN OUR FOREST

To mark Black History Month, a talk, illustrated with a range of clips, on Paul Robeson, academic, lawyer, sportsman, film star, singer and activist. ‘Show Boat’ will be screened later this month.

Paul Robeson (1898-1978), son of a freed slave, professional football player, Shakespearean actor and film star, renowned baritone and political activist, was also targeted by the US authorities for his progressive views on a range of social and political issues. Mike Jennings, of the cinema’s Education Team, will discuss the life and career of this pioneering trailblazer for Afro-American artists, with a range of clips from his important films, from TV interviews and from his glorious music.

100M (INC 10M Q&A)

SHOW BOAT (1936)

SUN 29 OCT 15:30

BOOKING REF

Based on Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II’s Broadway hit, this musical spans four decades in the lives of performers on a Mississippi river boat.

Sheltered beauty Magnolia Hawks (Irene Dunne) takes over as the show’s leading lady when mulatto Julie (Helen Morgan) and her white husband are forced out of town by a narrow-minded sheriff. Charismatic opportunist Gaylord Ravenal (Allan Jones) wins Magnolia’s heart, but his gambling losses threaten to ruin their chances for a happy marriage. This is a superb film version of one of the classic American musicals with the high point, now and forever, being Paul Robeson singing his immortal rendition of ‘Ol’ Man River’. Screening during Black History Month, and in conjunction with a talk on Robeson on 14 Oct.

USA 1936 JAMES WHALE 113M

FRI 20 OCT 13:00, 15:30 & 18:00

SAT 21 OCT 13:15 & 20:00

SUN 22 OCT 12:15 & 18:00

MON 23 OCT 15:30 & 18:00

TUE 24 OCT 15:30 & 20:15

WED 25 OCT 14:30 & 16:45

THU 26 OCT 18:00 & 20:15

The Great Escaper

Starring Michael Caine and the late Glenda Jackson, a war veteran makes a dash across the channel for the D-Day celebrations. In the summer of 2014 - the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings - octogenarian Bernie Jordan (Michael Caine) made global headlines. He’d staged a “great escape” from his care home to join fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy, commemorating their fallen comrades. It was a story that captured the imagination of the world - Bernie seemed to embody the defiant, “can-do” spirit of a generation that was fast disappearing. But of course, it wasn’t the whole story. Bernie’s adventure, spanning a mere 48 hours, also marked the culmination of his 60-year marriage to Irene (Glenda Jackson).

UK/USA 2023 OLIVER PARKER 96M

BOLAN’S SHOES

FRI 20 OCT 20:30

SAT 21 OCT 18:00

MON 23 OCT 13:15

THU 26 OCT 15:45

BOOKING REF

Starring Timothy Spall, the film follows the tumultuous journey from the height of T. Rex mania in 1970s Liverpool to the present-day poignancy of what would have been Marc Bolan’s 75th birthday. The film captures the heady exhilaration of glam rock mania through the experiences of a group of over-excited kids from a local children’s home before a devastating road accident changes their lives for ever. Years later, and still clinging to the adoration of her childhood idol, survivor Penny takes best friend and fellow Marc Bolan fan to visit his shrine in London but a chance encounter there catapults her back to the horror she had tried so hard to forget.

‘Bolan’s Shoes’ is a joyful celebration of Seventies culture and brims with the energy of that vibrant era. Look out for the Marc Bolan/T. Rex documentary ‘Angelheaded Hipster’ also screening this season from 6 Oct.

UK 2023 IAN PULESTON-DAVIES 95M