There were plenty of films that came out around a certain time -- late '60s to early '70s -- that had a certain appearance, certain plot points, certain flowery curtains and avocado-hued kitchens and women staring sadly at cups of cold coffee, wondering why life in their perfect houses wasn't as perfect as it seemed. You know what's next. We all know what's next. That feeling-low lady was headed straight for let-it-all-hang-out adventure and wow-eee sexual fulfillment.
Modern-day filmmaker Anna Biller seeks to turn the classic sexploitation film, an arena long dominated by male movie-makers, on its heavily permed, paisley scarf-wearing head. She has meticulously recreated (and reimagined) the sets, dialogue and vibe of those early "Me Decade" adults-only dramas in her work "Viva," a cheeky examination of an unfulfilled housewife's journey into all the lasciviousness, experimentation, swinging parties and colorful adventure she'd been missing back at her beautifully appointed home.
"Viva" is a statement on those films, a satire, a paean even, and the look is so retro-real you get the sense that the film has been running every Thursday at 1AM at some second-hand theater around town for the last 30 years. But the movie was made in these here times, and its creator, we are sure, has a lot more to say about the sexual revolution, shag-carpeted ennui, campy hijinks, outrageous behaviors, and potent afternoon cocktails. And, a bonus: Anna Biller is at the Silent Movie screening for a Q&A following the movie.
"Viva"
Tuesday, March 3, 8PM
$12
Silent Movie Theatre, 611 N. Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles
323-655-2510
