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Food for Thought Presents Homage to Classic 1930s Horror Films
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2009
CONTACT:
Laura Parker
California State Library
916/651-6798
PRESS RELEASE -Food for Thought Presents Homage to Classic 1930s Horror Films
SACRAMENTO - The October event in the California State Library’s cultural series, Food for Thought: Thinking and Talking at the California State Library, will be held on Wednesday, October 21st. Now planned for the third Wednesday of each month, this free evening event includes refreshments, a thought-provoking film, and a lively post-film discussion.
In celebration of Halloween, this month’s screening features Young Frankenstein, a send-up of Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein, two classic horror films of the 1930s. Director Mel Brooks is at his anarchic best, satirizing the style and substance of an entire genre in a film that’s both comic and weirdly touching. Young Frankenstein, notes one reviewer, is the gold standard of cinematic spoofs. It represents the zenith of Mel Brooks’ manic mockery and offers career-defining work from Peter Boyle, Marty Feldman, Madeline Kahn, Teri Garr, and the sensational Gene Wilder, who co-wrote the screenplay with Brooks. “Wilder,” says critic Laurie Boeder, “Is pitch perfect as the young Frankenstein, sliding from earnest, arrogant young doctor into classic mad scientist. Even his hair goes insane.”
Filmed in stunning black and white using sets from the original Frankenstein movies, Brooks’ affectionate homage is replete with pitchfork-bearing mobs, police investigations, lab experiments, a vaudeville routine, and cheerfully ribald love scenes. The 1974 film is also a telling commentary on exploitation, fear, and our love-hate relationship with monsters—in this case one who’s both hilarious and pathetic. In a new era of cloning and DNA reassembly, he’s also an ethical challenge—a harbinger, perhaps, of what may soon be scientifically possible.
The California State Library launched Food for Thought because it believes that libraries and the free expression of ideas are essential to a healthy democracy. Food for Thought is a unique monthly venue where film buffs and thinking people talk freely about ideas and issues. By helping Californians stay intellectually invigorated, the California State Library is taking an active role in shaping the future of this great state. Its monthly Food for Thought evenings remind busy Sacramento audiences to slow down, thoughtfully consider, and discuss issues that shaped our past and affect our collective future, so we can build a preferred tomorrow.
Join us on Wednesday, October 21st from 5:00 to 8:30 pm in the California History Room, Library & Courts Building II, 900 N Street, Room 200, Sacramento. Doors open at 5:00 pm; the program begins at 6:00 pm with time for discussion afterward. Metered street parking is free after 6:00 pm; 8th and O light rail access. Seating in this new venue is limited, so attendees must RSVP to Rebecca Fontaine at (916) 653-9942 or rfontaine@library.ca.gov.
Food for Thought is made possible by generous donations from the
California State Library Foundation
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