The term “angry young man” evokes a specific image in cinema, specifically British actors like Richard Harris, Tom Courtenay, and Richard Burton rebelling stoically against their fate in British new-wave films like “Look Back in Anger,” “This Sporting Life,” and “The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner.”
In American cinema, however, angry young men occupy a darker, more violent space. From Travis Bickle in “Taxi Drive” to Tyler Durden in “Fight Club,” American depictions of disillusioned men often turn towards violence. Their motives may range from heroic to vengeful to chaotic, but these stories inevitably result in someone getting hurt.
These films are rarely franchise material, as their protagonists seldom find redemption. But Todd Phillips’ “Joker,” a meditation on the origins of masculine rage within the Batman universe, is looking to break the mold by returning with a sequel, “Joker: Folie à Deux,” which opens at The Triplex this week.
This sequel delves into the aftermath of the first film’s destruction, examining why such protagonists become cinematic folk heroes. It is an unsettling question; these characters offer audiences cathartic release, but considering the real-world consequences of their actions dampens the thrill.
Yet, it is vital to burst the bubble around these films. In reality, anger doesn’t dissipate when the credits roll; it festers. If we fail to understand where this anger goes and how it manifests in society, we risk seeing another generation of angry young men emerge, with even greater consequences.
Now Playing
“The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou”
Bill Murray joins us for a 20th anniversary screening next week!
Just announced: We are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Wes Anderson classic with Steve Zissou himself! Bill Murray comes to The Triplex on October 13 to sit down with myself, as creative director of The Triplex, to discuss the legacy of “The Life Aquatic” and more from his legendary career!
Member presale starts Friday, October 4. General audience tickets go on sale Monday, October 7. Don’t wait—this once-in-a-lifetime event will sell out!
“Paris, Texas”
Wim Wenders’ indie classic returns to the big screen.
As quietly powerful today as it was upon its release 40 years ago, The Triplex is thrilled to have Wim Wenders’ “Paris, Texas” as part of our Limited Engagement series. The story follows an amnesiac (Harry Dean Stanton) who wanders out of the desert and begins to piece together his life by reconnecting with his son (Hunter Carson) and searching for his missing wife (Nastassja Kinski), “Paris, Texas” is an iconic alt-Western that continues to inspire.
Part of our Limited Engagement series, “Paris, Texas” plays at The Triplex from October 4 through 10.
“The Wild Robot”
A modern animated classic from Chris Sanders.
From Chris Sanders, the animation pioneer behind “Lilo & Stitch,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” and “The Croods,” comes an epic tale of finding family in the most unexpected places. Featuring the voice talents of Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Catherine O’Hara, and more, “The Wild Robot” follows robot Roz as she crash lands on a desolate forest island, learning to adapt to a newfound community of animal friends.
Coming Soon
“Lee”
The true story of the pioneering war photographer, Kate Winslet brings Lee Miller to life in “Lee.” Depicting a decade in the life of the fashion model turned surrealist photographer who risked everything to depict the atrocities of World War II, Lee is a stirring tribute to the pursuit of truth in a world looking to ignore it.
Part of our Limited Engagement series, “Lee” plays at The Triplex from October 11 through 16.
“The Parallax View”
Get ready for the upcoming election with “Dying in Darkness,” The Triplex’s new series exploring the intersection of politics, journalism, and democracy. We will be showcasing five classic films, each introduced by local experts who will discuss the continued relevance of their themes.
We start things off with Alan J. Pakula’s conspiracy thriller “The Parallax View,” which follows reporter Joe Frady (Warren Beatty) as he investigates the mysterious Parallax Corporation after the assassination of a presidential candidate.
Before the screening, Berkshire Community College’s Chris Laney will delve into the history of conspiracy theories, their evolution since Watergate, and their impact on today’s political discourse.
“The Outrun”
Saoirse Ronan delivers a knockout performance in “The Outrun,” a powerful story of addiction and recovery. After leaving rehab, Rona (Ronan) returns home to Scotland’s Orkney Islands for the first time in years. As she reconnects with her family and hometown, memories of her troubled past begin to emerge, painting a picture of her journey to recovery.
Part of our Limited Engagement Series, “The Outrun” plays from October 18 through 24.
