Fests and events, 10/9.

'"There are currently two fantastic art exhibitions in Los Angeles that cinephiles won't want to miss, both offered by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences," notes Doug Cummings. "I've already written about Frédéric Back: A Life's Drawings in Hollywood (through November 1st). The second is Akira Kurosawa: Film Artist in Beverly Hills (through December 14th)."

Leslie Caron, "who was discovered at 19 by Gene Kelly to star opposite him in 1951's An American in Paris, will be discussing Gigi on Friday with critic Stephen Farber at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The evening culminates with a screening of a new digital restoration of Gigi. Susan King talks with her for the Los Angeles Times. Also: an overview of David Lean: Ten British Classics, at UCLA through October 26.

Carole Lombard "was one of the great funny girls of the Depression era," writes Steve Vineberg in the Boston Phoenix, "as witness the five features in the Brattle's upcoming series Carole Lombard: No Dumb Blonde (October 18 - 23). Her compact but pointed face, the soft blond crown of hair, the sleek, elegant frame that satin and silk and lamé either clung to or dripped off, all made her a 30s icon - the billboard for her 1936 film Love Before Breakfast is at the center of one of Walker Evans's photographs."

"Six in Paris (1965) is a collection of vignettes filmed by the era's leading French directors and produced by Barbet Schroeder, who, with Eric Rohmer, had formed the production company Les Films du Losange three years earlier," writes Artforum's Brian Sholis. "Tricks, cons, romantic vicissitudes, all set against the kinetic backdrop of the City of Light: The six shorts are certainly emblematic of New Wave style, but not of Schroeder's career as a whole." Tonight at BAM.

"AFI FEST 2008 has announced its full lineup with honors going to actress Tilda Swinton and helmer Danny Boyle. Boyle will be feted after a screening of his latest film, Slumdog Millionaire while Swinton gets a career achievement honor." And Michael Jones has the full list. Doug Cummings posts a few thoughts.

Posted by dwhudson at October 9, 2008 3:39 PM