Movies are made to be exciting. But life doesn’t always fit neatly into a three-act structure or a two-hour runtime. When it comes to portraying the truth—whether telling real-life stories or depicting authentic experiences—filmmakers often condense and reimagine reality until it becomes a satisfying cinematic experience.
And while they can go too far (sometimes it pays not to read the book first), in many cases that reduction is the point. Movies can take a dry, complex, or unwieldy subject and turn it into an engaging experience, helping audiences understand something they might otherwise give up on completely.
Take politics, for example. In an increasingly polarized society with a flood of issues to grapple with, it is easy to disengage. But a great political movie can entertain, inform, and, hopefully, inspire viewers to get involved. With this year’s election fast approaching, we are is excited to present two special events at The Triplex designed to do just that.
Starting this week, The Triplex is launching “Dying in Darkness,” a series of five classic films exploring the intersection of politics, journalism, and truth, inspired by Bob Woodward’s famous saying that “Democracy dies in darkness.” Each film in this series will be introduced by a local journalist or expert who will discuss the ways the themes of the movie are still relevant today.
And this Saturday, at 7 p.m., we are thrilled to host director Tony Gerber for a screening of his new documentary “War Game,” which follows real-life national-security experts role-playing a response to an armed coup attempt after a disputed presidential election. Gerber and his team manage to create a cinematic experience that lets the audience see the kind of decision making that happens in the high-pressure, high-risk situations we repeatedly find our country facing.
These topics can feel overwhelming, but a linear story structure, ingenious scripts, and leading men like Robert Redford go a long way toward helping us process them. And when we watch these movies in a theater, we also find a community that we can face these hard truths with together. And that is as exciting as the movies get.
Now Playing
“A Face in the Crowd”
A chilling critique of American media from Elia Kazan.
Starring a pre-Mayberry Andy Griffith as Larry “Lonesome” Rhodes, a charismatic drifter plucked from obscurity by a radio producer (Patricia Neal) who uses his populist persona to propel himself from a local radio personality to a national broadcaster with powerful political sway, “A Face in the Crowd” is a chilling critique of American media that is as relevant today as it was in 1957.
Before the movie, Reo Matsuzaki, a specialist on authoritarianism and an associate professor of political science at Trinity College, will discuss the ways governments utilize political performances to acquire and maintain their authority.
Part of The Triplex’s “Dying in Darkness” series, “A Face in the Crowd” screens on October 20, at 4 p.m.
“All the President’s Men”
Alan J. Pakula’s gripping depiction of the Watergate investigation.
The story of Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein (Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman), two reporters who risked their safety during their investigation of the Watergate break-in and its ties to the Nixon administration, “All the President’s Men” is a thrilling testament to the importance of investigative journalism.
Before the movie, join Kevin Moran, executive editor of The Berkshire Eagle, as he introduces the film and discusses the continuing importance of print journalism in our current political climate.
Part of The Triplex’s “Dying in Darkness” series, “All the President’s Men” screens on October 24, at 7 p.m.
“Lee”
The story of a pioneering war photographer starring Kate Winslet.
The true story of Lee Miller, Kate Winslet brings the pioneering war photographer 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.
Held over by popular demand!
“The Outrun”
A powerful story of addiction and recovery with Saoirse Ronan.
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 The Triplex’s Limited Engagement Series, “The Outrun” plays from October 18 through 24.
“White Bird”
A story of kindness from the creators of “Wonder.”
A follow up to 2017’s “Wonder,” “White Bird” follows Julian (Bryce Gheisar), who has struggled to belong ever since he was expelled from his former school for his treatment of Auggie Pullman. To transform his life, Julian’s grandmother (Helen Mirren) finally reveals to Julian her own story of courage—during her youth in Nazi-occupied France, a boy shelters her from mortal danger. They find first love in a stunning, magical world of their own creation, while the boy’s mother (Gillian Anderson) risks everything to keep her safe.
From director Marc Forster (“Finding Neverland” and “Christopher Robin”), screenwriter Mark Bomback, and based on R.J. Palacio’s book, “White Bird” is an uplifting movie about how one act of kindness can live on forever.
Starts Friday.
“The Week”
A climate activist workshop with author Anne Therese Gennari.
What is climate change? And what can we do about it?
Join us for “The Week,” a three-week climate docu-series facilitated by author of “The Climate Optimist Handbook” (and Berkshires local) Anne Therese Gennari.
Three Wednesday nights in October, Anne Therese will present a short documentary about climate change followed by a conversation to discuss what we have learned and process the powerful emotions that the climate crisis evokes.
These three meet-ups will bring you on a journey of climate awareness and empowered optimism, leaving you both alarmed and (hopefully) inspired to do something about it!
Wednesday, October 23, at 7 p.m.
Coming Soon
“Conclave”
A politically tinged thriller perfect for election season, “Conclave” delves into one of the world’s most secretive events—the election of a new pope. Ralph Fiennes leads an all-star cast, including Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini, in this twisty tale of a Cardinal who uncovers a conspiracy that could shake the Church to its core.
Opens October 25.
“The Substance”
Winner of the Best Screenplay Award at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, “The Substance” is an audacious body horror spectacle that acts as a gory take down of modern beauty standards. When Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), an aging actress and aerobics personality, is fired after her 50th birthday, she turns to a mysterious supplier to create a younger version of herself (Margaret Qualley) to regain her fame.
Part of The Triplex’s Limited Engagement Series, “The Substance” plays from October 25 through 31.
“Killer Klowns from Outer Space”
We’re getting craaaaaaazy this Halloween weekend! Finn Baack from Simon Rock’s Horror Movie Club joins us to introduce “Killer Klowns from Outer Space,” the Chiodo Brothers’ 1988 cult horror comedy classic, on October 26!
A small town is invaded by a troupe of grotesque extraterrestrial clowns who kill and capture the townsfolk with an assortment of sinister tricks. Featuring an amazing display of late-1980s practical effects, “Killer Klowns” is the kind of bizarre genre mashup that you need to see with a crowd.
October 26 at 9 p.m.
“Medium Cool”
An innovative blend of fiction and documentary that filmed its actors at the actual 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, “Medium Cool” follows Robert Forster’s veteran television cameraman as he realizes he can no longer stay a passive observer when he discovers his network has been giving his footage to the FBI.
Barbara Zheutlin, co-author of “Creative Differences: Profiles of Hollywood Dissidents,” introduces our screening with a discussion of Wexler’s real-life politics, how they influenced the film, and the legacy of the politics of the New Hollywood movement.
Part of The Triplex’s “Dying in Darkness” series, “Medium Cool” screens on October 27, at 7 p.m.
