Movie Night with David Lowery: THE SUGARLAND EXPRESS

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Post-film discussion with David Lowery (AIN’T THEM BODIES SAINTS) and critic John Anderson — 35mm print

“Fugitive couple (Goldie Hawn, William Atherton) plus kidnapped cop (Michael Sacks) and patrol car take on police chief Ben Johnson and an ever-growing caravan of assorted cars, newsmen, sightseers and wide-boys out for a shoot-up in an across-Texas chase caper that has its protagonists overtaken by events beyond their control and comprehension. Despite the obvious similarity to the Roadrunner cartoon that appears at one point — both as a comedy and in the casually destructive violence employed — Spielberg’s first feature for the big screen also touches on many aspects of American life and cinema: the role of the media, the matriarchal society, consumer possession, the decline of the American hero, and the increasing depersonalisation of everything. A beautifully put together, assured film.” – Time Out (London)

David Lowery’s AIN’T THEM BODIES SAINTS opens Fri Aug 16. Our “Lone Star Cinema: Texas On Screen” series continues weekends for matinees and midnights.

IFC Center does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. In addition to the synopses, trailers and other links on our website, further information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches.