Mirth And Masochism At Canterbury Film Festival (Press, 19 April 1984)

The 1984 Canterbury Film Festival is set to commence on 20 April at 11 p.m. at the Avenue Cinema in Riccarton, with a diverse lineup that promises both entertainment and intrigue. The festival lasts for two weeks and features 23 films, many of which are rarely screened in Christchurch. The selected films range from comedies to deeply compelling narratives, providing a mix of commercial and artistic cinema. Opening the festival is "Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl," showcasing the comedy troupe performing their classic sketches alongside new material. Following this, "Nutcracker Fantasy," a puppet-animated film, will enchant audiences with the tale of a girl's dream journey on Easter Saturday. Later that evening, Werner Herzog’s ambitious film "Fitzcarraldo" tells the story of an Irishman determined to build an opera house in the Amazon jungle. Easter Sunday includes a double feature of notoriously poor films, "Robot Monster" and "Plan 9 From Outer Space," aimed at those who enjoy cringing at cinematic failures. The festival's offerings continue with "Moving Out," an Australian comedy-drama about a young Italian struggling in Melbourne, and "Lola," a satirical work regarded as one of Rainer Werner Fassbinder's last significant films. The festival also highlights "The Atomic Cafe," a documentary-comedy that critiques American propaganda from the Cold War era. Other films include "Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid," a Steve Martin film integrating vintage footage with new scenes, and Fernando Arrabal's intense "Viva La Muerte," which provocatively addresses childhood experiences during the Spanish Civil War. Additional noteworthy screenings include "Blood Feud," featuring Sophia Loren, set in 1920s Sicily; "Bolero – The Dance of Life," which is an epic tale spanning decades; and "Heavy Metal," an animated fantasy combining multiple artistic talents. Other films explore themes of friendship and love, evident in "One Wild Moment" and "The Missionary," starring Monty Python's Michael Palin. The festival will present both serious narratives, such as "The Executioner’s Song," a true crime story, and comedies like "Privates on Parade," which satirise military life. "Under Fire" tackles contemporary issues surrounding U.S. foreign policy in Central America. Overall, the Canterbury Film Festival aims to cater to varied tastes, showcasing a blend of unique film experiences that challenge and entertain audiences while highlighting cinematic works that may otherwise be inaccessible in the region.

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