If you’re looking for something a little different at the movies — and who isn’t, especially if you’ve sat through Transporter 3? — there are some alternatives.
There will be a special screening of The Levi’s BMX Video this Thursday at Solaris Tapas Restaurant and Bar (125 Summit Ave., Greensboro) from 10 p.m. to midnight.
Even better, there’s no cover charge, so bring along your friends. The more, the merrier. The Levi’s BMX Video is
a video presentation featuring many of the world’s most daring BMX bike
riders as they traverse treacherous terrain at various locations around
the globe.
BMX bike buffs need no introduction to the likes of Corey Martinez, Jamie Bestwick, Anthony Napolitan and Morgan Wade, who
are among the award-winning members of the Levi’s Flow Team. The entire
production was shot on hidefinition video by producer/director Will Stroud (of
Nine To Five Films) and his team for maximum excitement and effect. In
addition to high-flying, road-scorching footage — replete with some
mishaps that’ll definitely make you think twice about trying this stuff
at home — there are also segments of the team members being interviewed
and discussing their dauntless doings. It’s not only a showcase for the
bicyclists, but also for the filmmakers, who get as close to the action
as possible.
Of course, the audience gets to enjoy it from the
comfort and safety of their seats … preferably with tall drink in hand.
This marks the East Coast premiere of The Levi’s BMX Video and Solaris is where it’s happening.
For more information, see www.gettapas.com/events.htm or call 336.378.0198.
•••
The very same night, and also in Greensboro, the Revolve Film and Music Festival has
its own screening in store for area cineastes: The North Carolina
premiere of writer/director Erik Nelson’s critically acclaimed
documentary Dreams With Sharp Teeth.
This screening will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Weatherspoon Art Museum (located on the UNCG campus at the corner of Spring Garden and Tate streets), marking the first team-up between Revolve and the Weatherspoon.
This film profiles the legendary, prolific, award-winning and consistently outspoken writer Harlan Ellison. Winner
of four Writer’s Guild of America awards for most outstanding teleplay
(a record), Ellison is perhaps best known for his work in fantasy, as
he disdains the term “sci-fi writer” and has been known to complain,
long and loudly, if referred to as such… although much of his work
does, indeed, qualify as sci-fi. (Ever read his novella “A Boy and His
Dog,” or see the movie? Check it out.) “The City on the Edge of
Forever,” one of Ellison’s award-winning teleplays, is widely
considered to be the best episode from the original “Star Trek” series.
He’s also written for “The Outer Limits,” “Babylon 5” and the ’80s revival of “The Twilight Zone.” Dreams With Sharp Teeth is
narrated by Oscar winner Robin Williams, a friend and longtime devotee
of Ellison’s work. “Harlan Ellison’s prolific career is nearly
matchless and makes a compelling subject for a documentary,” said
Revolve festival founder Shalini Chatterjee in a statement. “We are
grateful for the opportunity to bring this film to North Carolina for
the first time.” There’s even a wine-and-cheese meetand-greet scheduled
for 7 p.m., 30 minutes before showtime.
Revolve’s back in
action a mere two days later, teaming up with the Salem College Center
for Women Writers, for another special screening — this one of Cecile
Leroy Beaulieu’s documentary Jack Taylor of Beverly Hills, which will be shown at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Drama
Workshop of the Salem Fine Arts Center, located on the campus of Salem College (601 S. Church St., Winston-Salem).
The
90-year-old Taylor, a tailor by trade (no joke), has been a clothier to
the stars for the better part of six decades. It is Taylor who is
widely credited with creating the “Rat Pack” look for the likes of
Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr., and he’s still going
strong to this day, replete with a faithful (and still star-studded)
clientele.
The film examines Taylor’s life and work, and his
devoted relationship to his wife Bonnie Taylor, to whom he’s been
married for 65 years.
Admission is $5, or free if you’re
affiliated with Salem College (bring your ID, please). There will be a
post-screening reception at Meridian Restaurant (411 S. Marshall St., W-S) with complimentary holiday hors d’oeuvres and drink specials for Revolve revelers.
Hey,
did you know that Salem College was the 13 th -oldest college and the
oldest educational institution for women in the nation? I sure didn’t.
Shows you how smart I am. But, then again, I couldn’t have gone to
Salem. They wouldn’t have me. Still, it’s a nice campus to walk around.
For more information about either of these two screenings or
about upcoming Revolve events, seewww.revolvefestival.com/index.html or
call 336.722.8238.
To comment on this story, e-mail Mark Burger at marksburger@yahoo.com.
