Here are some of the noteworthy films screening at Albuquerque’s Guild Cinema this month.
From Dec. 17-19, the Guild will present a double feature of films by renowned French animator René Laloux. His seminal 1973 masterpiece “Fantastic Planet” will be presented alongside a new restoration of the original version of his 1982 film “The Time Masters.”
A wild sci-fi vision from the future, “Fantastic Planet” is set on a planet where humans, called Oms, are the pets of giant blue humanoids called Draags. The film has been a midnight movie staple for 50 years — thanks to its outlandish psychedelic animation and bold countercultural message as an allegory of the evils of authoritarian governments.
The unforgettable visual style of “Fantastic Planet” can be credited to production designer Roland Topor, a French artist who brought his trademark surrealism to the big screen and forever changed the idea of what animation could look like.
“The Time Masters” has fallen into obscurity in the decades since its release, but can now be seen again thanks to a new restoration that puts the beauty of Laloux’s animation on full display. An intergalactic epic that follows a newly-orphaned boy as he tries to survive in a world of fantastical and ominous creatures, the film’s stunning production design was done by the legendary French surrealist Mœbius.
Both films can be seen for the price of one ticket. “Fantastic Planet” will screen at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., while “The Time Masters” will show at 5:15 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.
A contemporary marvel of world animation, Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis’ sophomore feature “Flow” will screen Dec. 20-23 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. “Flow” is garnering critical acclaim, including “Best Animated Film” from the National Board of Review, and is set to become a major contender for the Oscar for “Best Animated Feature.”
The film tells the story of a cat who bands together with his animal friends to find dry land after a catastrophic flood destroys their homes. A timely depiction of the devastating effects that climate change has on the environment, “Flow” seems destined to become a favorite for audiences of all ages.
The newest film from maverick American director Paul Schrader, “Oh, Canada,” sees Schrader reuniting with Hollywood icon Richard Gere more than 40 years after Gere starred in his seminal film “American Gigolo.”
In “Oh, Canada,” Gere plays an aging filmmaker who participates in a documentary about his life, forcing him to confront his troubled past as a Vietnam War draft-dodger and an absent father. Jacob Elordi stars as the younger version of Gere’s character, who is shown in flashback. The film also stars Uma Thurman and Michael Imperioli.
“Oh, Canada” can be seen Dec. 20-23 at 5 p.m.
A long sought-after cult favorite that has recently been restored to its former glory, 1987’s “Candy Mountain” will screen Dec. 21-22 at 1 p.m. as a part of the Guild’s regular Arthouse Classics series. Co-directed by renowned photographer Robert Frank and novelist Rudy Wurlitzer, the film is about a down-on-his-luck musician who agrees to track down a missing guitar-maker, taking him on a journey from upstate New York to Nova Scotia.
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“Candy Mountain” is unmissable for music lovers. It stars a range of legendary musicians, including experimental folk icon Tom Waits, jazz performers Dr. John and Leon Redbone, and Joe Strummer of The Clash.
A complete list of the Guild’s upcoming showings can be found on its website.
Elijah Ritch is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. They can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo
