Concrete Playground

Cinema has a great propensity to diminish any differences that occur between peoples. Something magic happens when the lights are dimmed and the projectors start rolling (they probably don’t roll any more; I’m sure the process is more hi-tech now).

Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times opens the Alfred Stieglitz film program at the Art Gallery of NSW, which then takes a divergent turn with Robert Rossen’s Body and soul. Stieglitz, who was one of the 20th century's greatest photographers, was only alive to see one of the films shown in this series, although I imagine he would have championed the cause of the others, especially the directors' intents to present audiences with issues that were relevant to them.

These films are centered on male protagonists about whom we cannot help but feel ambiguous. Perhaps a metaphor for politics of the time (and relevant for now, too?) we see characters with good intentions, unfortunately acquiescing to commit immoral acts — ultimately to their demise. With no end in sight to this irksome rain, there is no better way to spend a couple of hours than in the basement of the AGNSW with some good black and white action of the Waterfront kind. And I forgot to mention: Put your wallets away, because these screenings are free. Films are shown at 2pm and 7.15pm on Wednesdays and at 2pm on Sundays.

Wednesday 16 June 2pm & 7.15pm / Sunday 20 June 2pm
Force of evil Dir: Abraham Polonsky (1948)

Wednesday 23 June 2pm & 7.15pm / Sunday 27 June 2pm
Marty Dir: Delbert Mann (1955)

Wednesday 30 June 2pm & 7.15pm / Sunday 4 July 2pm
On the waterfront Dir: Elia Kazan (1954)

Wednesday 7 July 2pm & 7.15pm / Sunday 11 July 2pm
Sweet Smell of Success Dir: Alexander Mackendrik (1957)

Wednesday 14 July 2pm & 7.15pm / Sunday 18 July 2pm
Rear window Dir: Alfred Hitchcock (1954)