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  Special Screenings

  

  Beau Travail (2000)

  Few women render male sexuality as unflinchingly as Claire Denis. But in Beau Travail, she sees its softness and vulnerability in the unlikeliest of places: a group of French foreign legion sailors stationed in Djibouti. Contempt, jealousy, and obsession roil under the surface, described through dance in this new restoration, centering on Denis Lavant’s sadistic commander Galoup. Loosely based on Herman Melville’s novella Billy Budd, Denis’ masterpiece screens at AFS this weekend in anticipation of Austin’s encroaching white-hot summer. – Lina Fisher Read a full review of Beau Travail.

  March 8-9 & 12

  AFS Cinema

• Film

  Special Screenings

  

  Blue Velvet (1986)

  On Sunday, March 2, Isabella Rossellini walked the red carpet in blue velvet – a tribute to her former romantic partner and recent addition to the White Lodge David Lynch. Being that its namesake film was her first introduction to the well-coiffed Montanan, the outfit was a heck of a lot more meaningful than the two seconds awarded to Lynch by the Academy’s In Memoriam segment. (They literally left out Tony Todd and Michelle Trachtenberg!) Alamo Drafthouse plays the groundbreaking indigo picture as part of their Lynch series, a more mainstream intro to the man’s particular take on Americana. Incredible performances abound among the distressing cinematic journey, from Kyle MacLachlan’s wide-eyed disenchantment to Dennis Hopper huffing laughing gas. But the star is Rossellini, singing the movie’s title to a nightclub crowd: “She woooore bluuuuuue veeeeelvet…” – James Scott Read a full review of Blue Velvet.

  March 7-12

  Alamo Drafthouse Village, Alamo Drafthouse Mueller, Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter Lane, Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline

• Film

  Special Screenings

  

  Moonstruck (1987)

  Anora’s Sunday sweep aside, romantic comedies hardly ever get love from the Academy. 1987’s Moonstruck was a rare exception, netting six Oscar noms, including wins for Cher (Best Actress), Olympia Dukakis (Best Supporting Actress), and John Patrick Shanley (Best Original Screenplay). Rocking a sexy gray streak and sensible cardigans, Cher plays an Italian-American widow drawn to her new fiancé’s brooding, opera-obsessed younger brother (Nicolas Cage, at the height of his snackable years). Careening between Dean Martin and Puccini and capturing a real-feeling New York in bracing winter, it’s forever a slice of movie magic.– Kimberley Jones

  March 9 & 12

  Galaxy Highland 10, Evo Cinemas Belterra

• Film

  Special Screenings

  

  What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)

  What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? is a certified camp classic, fueled by its impeccable fusing of dark comedy and psychological horror. But more notably, it’s become a cultural artifact with Bette Davis and Joan Crawford as the two sister rivals, mirroring their legendary real-life feud. Davis plays the titular Baby Jane, a former child star whose fame was eclipsed by Crawford’s Blanche, who thrived until becoming paraplegic in an accident. The majority of the film takes place in their mansion, growing increasingly claustrophobic as Jane goes back and forth between tormenting Blanche and attempting to revive her vaudeville act. Filled with melodrama and murder, it’s equally nauseating and delicious. – Mattea Gallaway

  March 8-10 & 12

  Alamo Drafthouse Village, Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter Lane, Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline, Alamo Drafthouse Mueller

• Film

  Special Screenings

  

  Adaptations Book Club: In the Cut (2003)

  My favorite Jane Campion movie is usually the most recent one I’ve watched. But if forced to pick one overall, the erotic fever dream of In the Cut might win as the director’s best work. And now I know, thanks to We Luv Video’s incredible Adaptations book/movie club, that there’s a novel I can check out! Campion’s film shattered Meg Ryan’s American sweetheart persona and captured Mark Ruffalo at his scuzzy hot peak. With twists, turns, and an ominous color palette that gives David Fincher a run for his money, it fills a very specific, very sexy niche. – Cat McCarrey Read a full review of In the Cut.

  Wed., March 12

  We Luv Video