There are plenty of things from the 1980s we would rather forget: the Cold War, New Coke, Alf.
But the decade still holds an irresistible pull, inspiring everything from “The Wedding Singer” to “Top Gun: Maverick,” and “Stranger Things.” These projects tap into a yearning for a monolithic zeitgeist—a time when everyone got references like “I’ll have what she’s having” or “No one puts Baby in a corner.” In today’s world of algorithm-driven content tailored to niche interests, it is easy to see why the ’80s seem, in hindsight, simpler.
However, this nostalgic lens often overlooks the glorious messiness that defined many movies of the era. As New Hollywood transitioned into the age of the modern blockbuster, filmmakers experimented with genre blending in major studio films, pushing the boundaries of audience expectations.
Two prime examples of these ’80s trailblazers are screening at The Triplex this weekend: Susan Seidelman’s “Desperately Seeking Susan” and John Landis’ “An American Werewolf in London.” “Desperately Seeking Susan” takes a screwball-comedy structure straight from Howard Hawks and overlays it with a feminist fairytale, capturing the texture of mid-’80s downtown New York. Meanwhile, “Werewolf” took over a decade to get made because it defied neat genre classification—deemed not funny or scary enough to satisfy producers.
These films are a reminder that while memories of the ’80s are often bathed in a VHS-tinted haze, it was also an era where filmmakers broke free from creative constraints. The fact that these bold, genre-defying movies became box-office hits is a potent reminder that taking risks pays off—a lesson worth remembering in today’s often monotonous movie landscape.
Director Susan Seidelman sits down with the New Yorker’s Rachel Syme after a screening of “Desperately Seeking Susan” on Friday, September 20, at 6:30 p.m. After the interview, Susan will be signing copies of her new memoir
“Desperately Seeking Something: A Memoir About Movies, Mothers, and Material Girls.”
Star Griffin Dunne introduces “An American Werewolf in London” on Saturday, September 21, at 8 p.m.
Now Playing
“Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold”
An intimate look at one of the most insightful writers of the last century.
A celebration of the legendary author and essayist, The Triplex is honored to have Director Griffin Dunne join us for a screening of his documentary about his late aunt, “Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold,” on September 21. Combining archival footage with an in-depth interview of Didion, Dunne paints a portrait of one of the most profound writers of the last 60 years.
After the movie, Griffin will sit down for an interview with WKZE’s Adam Schartoff and sign copies of his new book “The Friday Afternoon Club,” his memoir of growing up among larger-than-life characters in Hollywood and Manhattan.
“Sing Sing”
A tribute to the transformative power of theater with Colman Domingo.
Featuring real-life graduates of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program, “Sing Sing” follows a group of incarcerated men as they find new purpose while putting together an original theater piece. Starring Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo, “Sing Sing” is a raw, stirring reminder of how art can redeem us.
“Sing Sing” plays from September 20 through 26 as part of The Triplex’s Limited Engagement series.
Just announced: Shakespeare and Company’s Kevin Coleman joins us on September 26 after the 6:30 p.m. screening of “Sing Sing” to discuss the real-life impact of theatrical rehabilitation programs.
“Transformers One”
Roll out with the robots in disguise in this animated origin story!
Action packed, funny, and surprisingly emotional, “Transformers One” is a throwback to the franchise’s ‘80s-cartoon roots. Featuring the voice talents of Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, and more, “Transformers One” is an origin story that follows robots-in-disguise Optimus Prime and Megatron as they turn from friends to foes.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”
The ghost with the most continues at The Triplex!
Tim Burton and company bring their wild mix of ghosts, sandworms, and shrunken heads back to the big screen in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” As the Deetzs reunite for a funeral, they turn to everyone’s favorite bio-exorcist for help when the underworld wreaks havoc on their lives.
Ends Thursday!
Coming Soon
“Close to You”
Actress Hillary Baack joins us for a special screening of her new film on Saturday, September 28!
A moving, raw story of a trans man returning to his hometown after spending years away, “Close to You” follows Sam (Oscar nominee Elliot Page) as he confronts his relationship with his family, reunites with a first love, and discovers a newfound sense of confidence.
After the screening, we will sit down with Hillary to discuss the making of the movie (which was largely improvised and filmed in chronological order) and her experiences working as a deaf actress in theater and film.
“The Critic”
A wickedly entertaining tale of revenge, “The Critic” sees Sir Ian McKellan dig into his role as Jimmy Erksine, a powerful theater critic in 1930s London. When Jimmy is fired from his job as chief theater critic, he enlists a young actress (Gemma Arterton) to help blackmail his former boss into giving him his job back.
Part of our Limited Engagement series, “The Critic” plays at The Triplex from September 27 through October 3.
“The Wild Robot”
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.
