What’s New, Pussycat”
“Rosetta”
5th Avenue Cinema
510 S.W. Hall
503-725-4470
7 & 9:15
$2 PSU students w/ID, $3 Students, $4 general public
This weekend at the 5th Avenue Cinema, you can treat yourself to the best of both worlds, great comedy and tormenting drama. The film committee’s choices for this week are “What’s New, Pussycat” and “Rosetta.” These films, each in its own way, exemplify their respective genres.
“What’s New, Pussycat” is the feature film-writing debut of that incredibly talented comedian Woody Allen. Even if you think that Allen has a skewed moral compass it is impossible to ignore his talent. This film is living proof that he has a gift that began over three decades ago.
“What’s New, Pussycat” stars Peter Sellers and Peter O’Toole. O’Toole does a hilarious job of portraying a chronic womanizer who wants to get married but doesn’t want to stop dating. Sellers brilliantly plays his analyst who is also afflicted with the womanizing bug. This film is a hilarious send-up of the ’60s sex comedy that seems fairly reminiscent of Allen’s later work “Deconstructing Harry.”
Allen has made a career out of scathing comedies that generally revolve around men who spend much of their time either chasing after women or laying on the psychiatrists couch. This film is a great farce about a sex maniac and his inevitable undoing. The cast of characters does an amazing job with no dull performances in sight.
If you are not a fan of Woody Allen as an actor but relish in his writing then this is the one for you. He plays a minor character in a film that shows his creative brilliance.
“Rosetta” is on the opposite end of the cinematic spectrum. This Cannes Film Festival winner is the story of an 18-year-old girl and her struggle to live in a harsh world.
Her life as a factory worker ends, and she is left looking for work. Meanwhile she is coping with life in a caravan with her alcoholic mother. The film, made in France, came out in 1999 and was an international success. If you are in the mood for subtitles and some minor depression then this film is just what the doctor ordered.
The 5th Avenue Cinema has succeeded in giving PSU students and community members a place to see quality films without mortgaging their homes to pay for it. Please come out and support this very worthwhile effort. In return you will be treated to a great show.
The 5th Avenue is located conveniently on campus at 510 S.W. Hall. The admission cost is $4 for the general public, $3 for students and $2 for PSU students with current ID. Cheap and terrific, wouldn’t you say?