CLC's spring international film series kicks off Feb. 3
Four highly acclaimed international films will be presented for free on Friday nights by the College of Lake County Center for International Education. The Spring Semester films are "Winter Sleep" Feb. 3, "The Lobster" March 3, "A Touch of Zen" April 14 and "Dheepan" May 5.
"Winter Sleep" (Turkey, 2014), Feb. 3 at 6:30 p.m. While running a hotel set amidst other-worldly rock formations, a wealthy landlord (Haluk Bilginer) writes pompous editorials and rules over long-suffering tenants with condescending wisdom. His wife and sister gradually confront his privilege in a series of riveting, theatrical conversations (derived from stories by Chekov), interspersed with scenes of gorgeous, unique natural beauty. Director Nuri Bilge Ceylan ("Once Upon a time in Anatolia") won the Palme d'Or at Cannes. "Visually stunning pictures … that explore the conjunction of landscape and psychology," wrote The AV Club.
"The Lobster" (Greece/UK, 2016), March 3 at 7 p.m. Suddenly single, a middle-aged man finds himself installed at a hotel where his society's rules are perversely enforced: find a new mate within 45 days or be turned into the animal of your choice. This unlikely premise, from the darkly satiric writer-director Yorgos Lanthimos ("Dogtooth"), and brought to life by an impressive, eclectic cast (Colin Farrell, John C. Reilly, Lea Seydoux, Ben Whishaw), generated one of the year's best films. "Wickedly funny, unexpectedly moving … a brilliant allegory for the increasingly superficial systems of contemporary courtship," wrote Variety.
"A Touch of Zen" (Taiwan/Hong Kong, 1971), April 14 at 6:30 p.m. During the Ming Dynasty, a bookish small-town painter finds himself drawn into intrigue when a mysterious stranger sits for a portrait. Meanwhile, an alluring fugitive, fleeing corrupt officials, has sheltered near his home. Romance, spectacular swordplay and cunning battle plans soon follow. "Delights [and] transcendent moments ... the visual style will set your eyes on fire," wrote Time Out.
"Dheepan" (France, 2016), May 5 at 7 p.m. When a Tamil Tiger attempts to flee Sri Lanka's Civil War, he finds that asylum status abroad is more quickly given to family units. Soon, two similarly desperate loners are posing as his wife and daughter. Settling in a Parisian housing project, this "family" begins adapting, both to each other and their surroundings, which grimly portend their own sectarian violence. Director Jacques Audiard has invited comparisons to Martin Scorsese. Winner of the Palme d'Or, The Playlist called this Audiard's "most compassionate and humanistic film to date."
The film screening location has changed because of construction. Films will be shown in Room A011 (A Wing Auditorium) on the CLC Grayslake Campus, 19351 W. Washington St. Films have subtitles when necessary, include adult content and are not suitable for children.
For more information, contact Chris Cooling, CLC film instructor, at (847) 543-2623 or ccooling@clcillinois.edu. Or visit the series' Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CLCInternationalFilmSeries.