2007 Fall Arts Preview – Film

It’s hard to believe, but the summer movie season has wound down, and it is now time for the most exciting part of a film fan’s year: fall. This is when studios scramble to release their best films-just in time to qualify for consideration in next year’s Oscar race. In just three short months, we’ll be getting new films from some of the best directors working, like Wes Anderson, Joel and Ethan Coen, Ang Lee, and Ridley Scott. Additionally, UCSB Arts & Lectures plays host to its stellar lineup of special screenings, the Magic Lantern film series in Isla Vista continues going strong, and HopeDance FiLMS presents its series of progressive documentaries at the Santa Barbara Public Library.

Sicko

Michael Moore’s latest filmed polemic is an impassioned plea for a complete overhaul of the country’s healthcare system. Potentially your last chance to catch this controversial and popular film on the big screen. Mon., Oct. 1, 7:30 and 10pm. UCSB’s Campbell Hall. Call 893-3535 or visit artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

Once

This understated drama is about two musicians recording a series of one-off songs on a seriously tight budget in a small studio in Dublin. The film has become an audience favorite and word-of-mouth phenomenon, despite having an estimated budget of less than $200,000. Not to be missed. Wed., Oct. 3, 7:30 and 9:30pm. UCSB’s Campbell Hall. Call 893-3535 or visit artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

Hairspray

One of summer’s biggest hits and most entertaining delights gets an encore screening. This big, bright, hilarious musical comedy deserves to be seen on the big screen. Fri., Oct. 5, 7 and 9:30pm. I.V. Theatre, 960 Embarcadero Del Norte, Isla Vista. Visit myspace.com/magiclantern.

Away from Her

A profound meditation on love, loss, and aging. The performances by Julie Christie, Olympia Dukakis, and Gordon Pinsent are as quietly powerful as the film itself. Wed., Oct. 10, 7:30pm. UCSB’s Campbell Hall. Call 893-3535 or visit artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

Ratatouille

The latest animated masterpiece from Pixar is a gorgeous fairy tale about a rat who comes into his own as a master chef at a failing Paris cookery. Fri., Oct. 12, 7 and 9:30pm. I.V. Theatre, 960 Embaracdero Del Norte, Isla Vista. Visit myspace.com/magiclantern.

When the Road Bends: Tales of a Gypsy Caravan

Documentary about the journey of five different Gypsy bands from all over the world as they traverse North America on a six-week tour. Mon., Oct. 15, 7:30pm. UCSB’s Campbell Hall. Call 893-3535 or visit artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

Star Dreams

This documentary chronicles the perennially fascinating subject of crop circles and investigates the history of the phenomenon and possible explanations. Mon., Oct. 15, 7pm. Faulkner Gallery, Santa Barbara Central Library, 40 E. Anapamu St. Call 544-9663 or visit hopedance.org.

Live Free or Die Hard

This overblown summer blockbuster of the unnecessary-sequel variety proves that Bruce Willis still has the presence and attitude to carry even the most meager project. Fri., Oct. 19, 7 and 9:30pm. I.V. Theatre, 960 Embarcadero Del Norte, Isla Vista. Visit myspace.com/magiclantern.

10 Questions for the Dalai Lama

Documentary about filmmaker Rick Ray, who visited the Dalai Lama in India and posed a series of provocative and challenging queries to the spiritual leader. Sun., Oct. 21, 4:30pm. Faulkner Gallery, Santa Barbara Central Library, 40 E. Anapamu St. Call 544-9663 or visit hopedance.org.

Killer of Sheep

Santa Barbara premiere of the seminal masterpiece by Charles Burnett, originally released in 1977. This newly restored version is essential viewing for even the most casual fans of American independent film. Wed., Oct. 24, 7:30pm. UCSB’s Campbell Hall. Call 893-3535 or visit artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

The Devil Came on Horseback

This Santa Barbara premiere tells the gruesome tale of the genocide currently being perpetrated in Darfur. Featuring Marine Captain Brian Steidle, a military observer with unprecedented access, the film is a wakeup call about the most alarming humanitarian crisis of our time. Thu., Oct. 25, 7:30pm. UCSB’s Campbell Hall. Call 893-3535 or visit artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

The Nightmare Before Christmas & The Rocky Horror Picture Show

This double-feature screening of the preeminent Halloween cult hits of the last 30 years is part of a Halloween extravaganza that will also feature live performances. Fri., Oct. 26, time TBA. Visit myspace.com/magiclantern.

Beyond the Call

Documentary about three Army veterans who founded Knightsbridge International, a nonprofit humanitarian aid agency. Mon., Oct. 29, 7pm. Faulkner Gallery, Santa Barbara Central Library, 40 E. Anapamu St. Call 544-9663 or visit hopedance.org.

Paprika

Santa Barbara premiere of the latest surreal anime spectacular about a government dream-stealing machine, from director Satoshi Kon (Tokyo Godfathers). Mon., Nov. 5, 7 and 9:30pm. I.V. Theatre, 960 Embarcadero Del Norte, Isla Vista. Visit myspace.com/magiclantern.

Stardust

Freewheeling fantasy adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s graphic novel about a star that falls to earth, starring Claire Danes, Robert De Niro, and Michelle Pfeiffer. Mon., Nov. 12, 7 and 9:30pm. I.V. Theatre, 960 Embarcadero Del Norte, Isla Vista. Visit myspace.com/magiclantern.

Superbad

The best teen sex comedy in more than a generation is a crude, graphic, and completely hilarious valentine to youthful exuberance and male friendship. Mon., Nov. 19, 7 and 9:30 pm. I.V. Theatre, 960 Embarcadero Del Norte, Isla Vista. Visit myspace.com/magiclantern.

Ten Canoes

The first film to be filmed entirely in an Aboriginal language, Ten Canoes is an acclaimed comedic fable about traditional Aboriginal life. Tue., Nov. 20, 7:30pm. UCSB’s Campbell Hall. Call 893-3535 or visit artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

Souls Without Borders: The Untold Story of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade

Santa Barbara premiere of a documentary about the men who fought to defend democracy during the Spanish Civil War. Mon., Nov. 26, 7:30pm. UCSB’s Campbell Hall. Call 893-3535 or visit artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

Mr. Conservative: Goldwater on Goldwater

A documentary produced by Barry Goldwater’s granddaughter on her grandfather’s legacy includes interviews with George Will and Hillary Clinton. Wed., Nov. 28, 7:30pm. UCSB’s Campbell Hall. Call 893-3535 or visit artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.