NIU film series explores graphic novel themes
Northern Illinois University Art Museum will present “A Graphic Novel Film Series” April 11, 25 and May 5 at the Egyptian Theatre in downtown DeKalb.
In conjunction with the current “Graphic Novel Exhibition Suite” at the NIU Art Museum, four films and one discussion will be held at the Egyptian Theatre over the next few weeks. Each film was adapted from an original graphic novel or comic.
“Persepolis” will be the theme at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 11. The 2007 French-American film will be featured and the discussion led by Steven Torres-Roman from the DeKalb Public Library. “Persepolis “is an animated film based on the graphic novels by Marjane Satrapi and tells of a young woman coming of age in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. It is rated PG-13. Cost is $5, $4 for seniors, or $2 for students. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
The “Misery-Loves-Company” double feature begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 25. The first movie will be the 2003 biographical comedy-drama “American Splendor,” which examines the life and times of “Everyman,” Harvey Pekar, starring Paul Giamatti. At 9 p.m., the 2001 “Ghost World” examines modern day teen angst in a Terry Zwigoff film based on the comic book by Daniel Clowes. “Ghost World” stars Thora Birch, Scarlett Johansson and Steve Buscemi, Both films are rated R. Cost is $8, $6 for seniors or $4 for students. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
“V for Vendetta,” Alan Moore’s anarchic figure wages war against futuristic totalitarian government at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 5. The 2006 thriller is rated R, starring Natalie Portman. Cost is $5, $4 for seniors or $2 for students. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Discounted adult and senior series tickets are available at the theater. This series is sponsored in part by the Illinois Arts Council. The restored 1929 Art Deco-style Egyptian Theatre is at 135 N. Second St., downtown DeKalb. Call (815) 758-1215 or visit www.egyptiantheatre.org for more information.
The Graphic Novel Exhibition Suite at the NIU Art Museum runs through May 25, and includes:
Ÿ “Francisco Goya: Satirical Caprices; Selections” from the significant and influential etching series, “Los Caprichos,” originally published as a bound portfolio in 1799.
Ÿ “Graphic Novel Realism: Backstage at the Comics” a behind-the-scenes story of the process in developing several contemporary graphic novels. It is guest curated by cartoonist, Paul Karasik (The New Yorker, RAW magazine, “City of Glass”).
Ÿ “The Golden Age of Wordless Novels and Artist Illustrated Books, 1917-1951,” which explores a peak revival period of relief printmaking which enabled artists of Europe and North America to create powerful and far-reaching works of art in book form.
Ÿ “The Graphic Novel: An Interpretive History” traces the origins of sequential visual narrative from prehistoric cave painting through illuminated medieval manuscripts onward.
These last two exhibitions were organized by NIU students from Museum Exhibitions and Interpretation, a graduate-level Museum Studies course.
The NIU Art Museum is in Altgeld Hall, the castle, first floor, west end. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; noon to 4 p.m. Saturday; and by appointment for group tours. The museum is free and open to the public. Events are free unless otherwise noted. Visitor parking, currently $5 per day; free on weekends is available in a lot on Carroll Ave, the first stop light east of Annie Glidden Road on Lincoln Highway. Limited street parking, and handicapped parking, is available at metered spots in front of Altgeld Hall, at the intersection of College Avenue and Castle Drive. On Saturdays, and during openings and other special events, free parking is available in the lot between Jack Arends Hall, the Art Building, and College Ave.
The exhibitions of the NIU Art Museum are funded in part by the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, the Friends of the NIU Art Museum, and the Dean’s Circle of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. For more information, call (815) 753-1936, email darntzen@niu.edu or visit [URL]www.niu.edu/artmuseum;http://www.niu.edu/artmuseum[URL].[/URL]