Cam and I became members of the
Launceston Film Society last year and it is one of the things I look forward to most in my week. The LFS is the largest film society in Australia and I think that alone suggests that it's a very good one. We were also members of the Newcastle Film Society when we lived on the mainland, but it pales in comparison. There are 3 screenings of each film per week (Mon, Wed, Thurs - you can only attend one screening per week) which is held at the local cinema. Often each screening is completely full (about 450 people), so we usually have sushi for dinner nearby and head in to get a seat a little early.
The movies range from interesting art house films that didn't make it here during their screenings, to foreign, Australian and old and obscure. I have seen some of my favourite films at film society that I probably would never have had the opportunity to see otherwise. LFS costs $100 per year and as it is in high demand, you go on a waiting list for about 6-12 months to become a member.
$100 to see a film almost every week of the year feels like nothing, especially when you compare it to the price of a regular movie ticket. I receive a brochure at the start of each season which gives a running list of what film is on each week, but I like not to read it. It is great to see a movie without any expectations or prior knowledge about it.
Have you checked out any film societies? Have you investigated the one in your city? Please do!
I decided I might do a little review of each film I see at film society when I get the chance, inspired by
Laura and
Katyha's mini reviews. This week the film was
Jane Eyre.
This was not a movie I would ever have picked off the video store shelf to watch. I find films representing this era often so lacking when it comes to 3-dimensional, interesting female characters, but Jane Eyre is all that. There is never a moment where Jane is dependent upon a male; she is independent, intelligent and makes decisions for herself despite her social standing.
Without giving away too much of the plot (if you don't already know the centuries-old Bronte story); Jane Eyre is an orphan raised by a begrudging aunt, who ships her off to boarding school for good - upon graduating and turning 18, Jane begins work as the governess to the ward of the master of Thornfield Hall, where the story unfolds.
I really enjoyed this film, perhaps more-so because I had never seen any of the 11(!) other film adaptations of it. Mia Wasikowska (Alice In Wonderland, The Kids Are All Right) plays the titular character and really made the movie for me with modest, careful, powerful acting. I also like that Michael Fassbender's (X-Men, Inglourious Basterds) character is initially so unlikable; seemingly with no redeeming qualities, so cold and abrupt. The plot unravels at a really careful pace and the supporting cast (including Dame Judy Dench) really pad out the edges of the film nicely. It is an elegant, dark movie and the rich gothic scenery is just another element that made this film a joy to watch.
