This Week in Maine Cinema: July 18th - 24th
Theatre meditation + return of Ari Aster + Totoro + more!
Y’all, we’re in the thick of things. Middle of July, the end of MIFF is this weekend, and the start of MOFF is next week. Not to mention a couple of big blockbusters that either were just released or about to be released! Needless to say, we here at The Maine Playweek are a bit exhausted.
To help us stay focused on the task at hand (watching and talking about films), we like to practice a little bit of “Theatre Meditation.” It allows us to remain centered in the moment and truly enjoy the film we are about to watch. How does it work? I’m glad you asked!
Get yourself the snacks and drinks you love. This is a little obvious, I know, but still super important. You’re about to sit in a dark theatre watching a movie, which is pretty awesome as is, but why not make it even nicer by making sure you’re well fed and that your thirst is quenched!
Arrive at the theatre about 5-10 minutes before showtime. It’s true that there are more and more trailers before a film and you could (theoretically) show up 10 minutes after showtime and still see the entire film, but give yourself the time to easily find a seat (or the seat you reserved) and get as comfortable as possible.
Practice box breathing once seated. With your eyes closed, breathe in for four seconds, hold it for four seconds, breathe out for four seconds, and hold for four seconds. Repeat this cycle a handful of times and you’ll find yourself zenned out and focused.
Keep your phone in your pocket. I get it, the urge can be strong sometimes to look at your phone before the film. But try and keep it in your pocket and instead start thinking about the film you are seeing. Of course, this is mainly for before the film as you already shouldn’t be pulling out your phone during the film.
Bring a friend so you can debrief about the film afterwards. Not only is it fun to share the experience with someone you care about, a debrief helps you stay in the film a little longer after its over. Plus, it may expose you to views on the film you hadn’t considered! It also helps in keeping all of these different films straight in your mind.
Got any other “Theatre Meditation” tricks? Drop a comment below and let us know! But enough of that, let’s get down to some movies we’re pumped about this week. Welcome to The Maine Playweek.
Eddington
All week | Black Bear Cinemas, Orono; Nickelodeon Cinemas, Portland; Smitty’s, Windham; Flagship Cinemas, Multiple Locations; Apple Cinemas, Multiple Locations
Ari Aster returns, albeit not with a horror movie. Or is it? This dark-comedy takes place during the summer of 2020 in a small New Mexico town (the titular Eddington). Joaquin Phoenix plays a sheriff who decides to run for mayor against the incumbent, played by Pedro Pascal. The cast is round out by Emma Stone, Austin Butler, and Deirdre O’Connell. What we’ve been hearing so far about it is that it’s a wild story highlighted by amazing direction and acting, but the tone does shift quite a bit.
Familiar Touch
June 18th and 19th at 1:30pm and 4:15pm, June 20th at 1:30pm, June 24th at 4:15pm | Eveningstar Cinema, Brunswick
Get your tissues ready. Described as a “coming-of-old-age film”, Familiar Touch follows a woman with dementia transitioning into assisted living care. Marked by extremely powerful performances, especially that of Kathleen Chalfant, you’ll cry and chuckle all while contemplating our mortality. Oof, sorry for the bummer but damn it looks good.
Film is Dead. Long Live Film!
June 18th at 3:30pm | Alamo Theatre, Bucksport
Come on, you know we had to include a movie all about film preservation! This documentary details the relentless struggle of attempting to preserve old film and televisions and the lengths these collectors will go to save film. Of course, a discussion on preservation naturally has to discuss the parallels between preservation itself and the impermanence of life. Check this one out, plus it’s free and showing at the home of North East Historic Film!
My Neighbor Totoro
July 20th and 21st at 7pm | Black Bear Cinemas, Orono
July 19th and 20th at 4pm, July 21st and 22nd at 7pm | Apple Cinemas, Westbrook and Saco
This Miyazaki classic is back in theatres only for this weekend! It’s adorable and devastating, much like every other Studio Ghibli film, but you’ll love every second of it.
Everything Else We’re Excited About
Bad Shabbos - All week | Strand Theatre, Rockland; Nickelodeon Cinemas, Portland; Maine Film Center, Waterville (Starts 7/21)
Roger Waters: This Is Not a Drill — Live from Prague - The Movie - July 23rd at 7pm | Nickelodeon Cinemas, Portland
Here Is Your Life - July 23rd at 7pm | Kinonik, Portland
Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore - All week | PMA Films, Portland
The Last Class - July 18th and 19th at 5:30pm and July 20th at 3pm | Strand Theatre, Rockland
P.S. We’ll be doing a round-up of Maine Outdoor Film Festival films, including my personal favorite Canoe Dig It? early next week, so be on the lookout for that!