The history of movies is filled with bad men, from Louis B. Mayer to Harvey Weinstein—figures whose contributions to the industry have been marred by their abusive behavior. After the rise of the Me Too movement in 2016 brought more and more of these stories to light, it reignited the debate of how to ethically view the work of those who have committed reprehensible acts: Is there actually a way to separate art from the artist?
There isn’t an easy answer. Film is a collaborative process, and to simply ignore works associated with abusers would mean disregarding the efforts of countless other creative and technical contributors. Yet, to overlook not only the actions of these men but also the systems that enabled them would make us complicit in perpetuating their harmful legacies.
A path forward is beginning to emerge, as seen in documentaries like “How to Come Alive With Norman Mailer,” which opens at The Triplex this week. An influential author and pioneer of New Journalism who wrote 11 novels and won two Pulitzer Prizes during his decades-long career, Mailer also had a well-documented history of misogyny and violence, including a near-fatal stabbing of his second wife with a penknife.
“How to Come Alive” doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of Mailer’s life (it is subtitled “A Cautionary Tale,” after all). Instead, it approaches its subject with an honesty that is often missing when we recount the lives of flawed figures. People are complex, and when we elevate them, we do so at our own risk. This documentary embraces Mailer’s legacy by confronting the full scope of his character, presenting a raw and authentic portrait that argues for his continued relevance while also making a case for why we must strive to be better than he ever was.
In doing so, it offers a blueprint for how to handle the legacies of problematic men. We can’t ignore their actions or their work; instead, we must address them as part of a larger, more nuanced narrative.
Now Playing
“A Celebration of the Music Inn”
A day-long festival of films, music, and panels.
Woody Guthrie. Miles Davis. Bruce Springsteen. Bob Marley. For nearly three decades, The Music Inn hosted some of the biggest names in music history right here in the Berkshires. Celebrate the amazing legacy of The Music Inn with a weekend of film screenings, panel discussions, interviews, exhibits, and live music. Festivities kick off at The Lion’s Den on August 9 and 10, with a day-long festival of screenings, interviews, and music coming to The Triplex this Sunday.
“Bill Cunningham New York”
A special screening with director Richard Press and producer Philip Gefter.
One of the most joyful documentaries of the 21st century, The Triplex is thrilled to have director Richard Press and producer Philip Gefter join us for a screening of their 2011 documentary “Bill Cunningham New York” on August 14. Following the famed fashion photographer as he documents New York from his bicycle, the film also sits down with Cunningham’s famous friends (and frequent subjects) including Tom Wolfe, David Rockefeller, and Vogue magazine’s Anna Wintour. Plays this Wednesday at 7 p.m.
“It Ends With Us”
A story of love and resilience with Blake Lively.
Based on the best-selling novel by Colleen Hoover, “It Ends With Us” is the story of Lily (Blake Lively), a young woman who starts to see echoes of her traumatic childhood in her relationship with charming neurosurgeon Ryle (director Justin Baldoni). When Lily’s first love, Atlas, reenters her life and upends her relationship with Ryle, she must rely on her inner strength to decide her future.
“Deadpool & Wolverine”
The mega-superhero mashup continues its run at The Triplex.
Two of the biggest names in comics team up to save the multiverse (and break the fourth wall) in “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman officially join the MCU in their signature foul-mouthed, violent fashion when these iconic superheroes are brought together to fight a new super-powered foe.
Coming Soon
“Dory Previn: On My Way to Where”
“Dory Previn: On My Way to Where” follows the life of acclaimed singer-songwriter (and longtime Berkshires resident) Dory Previn from her start as an Academy Award-nominated lyricist for Hollywood musicals through a public breakdown following a tabloid scandal and her reemergence as a cult artist in the Laurel Canyon scene.
Director Julia Greenberg and animator Emily Hubley will join us for a talkback following this advance screening on August 17.
“Alien: Romulus”
The Xenomorphs return to their roots in Fede Alvarez’s “Alien: Romulus.” Set in between “Alien and “Aliens,” “Romulus” follows a group of young space colonizers who get more than they bargained for when they break into an abandoned space station. Collaborating with crew members from the original movies, Alvarez uses an innovative mix of practical effects and CGI to bring screams back to space. Starts next Friday.
“Janet Planet”
The debut film from Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker, “Janet Planet” is a subdued drama that explores the intricacies of the mother-daughter relationship. Set in western Massachusetts in the early 1990s, “Janet Planet” centers around knockout performances from Julianne Nicholson (Mare of Eastown) and Zoe Ziegler as her 11-year-old daughter as they spend a summer redefining their relationship. Starts next Friday.
