The gallery regularly program films around their current exhibitions. They have recently opened a huge exhibition of Picasso's works called Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris, and with this is a selection of films from the 20th Century that span alongside Picasso's ground-breaking, revolutionary career. Here are some of my picks:
Bicycle Thieves (1949)
This is one of those seminal films we are taught about in film studies. Directed by Vittoria de Sica, this film is at the front of Italian Neorealism, a film movement characterised by stories about the poor and working classes. The story follows a billposter whose bicycle is stolen as he is on the job. How he relies on this bicycle is close to heartbreaking, as without it he cannot work and support his family. I never had the chance to see at uni (as I was probably sleeping through that 10am film lecture), and I think now is my chance.
Screening: Wednesday 30 November (2pm, 7:15pm), Sunday 4 December (2pm)
Mr. Hulot's Holiday (1952)
I once saw a documentary on Jacques Tati, and it was ever since then that I was adamant to see what he was all about. Madman Entertainment released many of Tati's classics including Mon Oncle, but at hefty prices. It's not unusual as many foreign films distributed here are simply hard to get, hard to sell and therefore come at a 'hard' price. Tati is one of the great masters of humour, through the use of tightly choreographed comedy skits and sound effects, I have a feeling Mr. Hulot's Holiday will bring me back to the roots of comedy in film.
Screening: Wednesday 14 December (2pm, 7:15pm), Sunday 18 December (2pm)
Breathless (1959)
Ah, finally something I've seen, and love. This is Jean Luc-Godard's first feature film, and has become one of the most influential films in history. You could argue that this was the film that set off the French New Wave, a new breed of filmmaking. It was 'the anti', the movement that completely disregarded the structure of the film narrative, and was the true rebel without a cause in low budget, no rules filmmaking. And it's for this very reason that Breathless is a favourite and must-see for anyone.
Screening: Wednesday 15 February (2pm, 7:15pm), Sunday 19 February (2pm)
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
How I got away with not having seen this film, I don't know and am incredibly embarrassed about it. This is the film that defines all film experiences, I've been told. 2001: A Space Odyssey is Stanley Kubrick's most famous and influential film and again challenges the science-fiction genre. This is said to be a highly transcendental experience for any one, film enthusiast or not. This - is a must.
Screening: Wednesday 21 March (2pm, 7:15pm), Sunday 25 March (2pm)
See the rest of the Picasso goes to the movies film program as part of the exhibition here. Don't forget that these are free screenings!
