Springsteen doc, Montana Film Fest premiere come to Bozeman
On Friday, November 29th, Bozeman Film Society continues its 41st season with Bruce Springsteen’s latest globally successful film/album, Western Stars. The screening will take place at Downtown Bozeman’s Ellen Theatre at 7pm.
Directed with longtime collaborator Thom Zimny, Western Stars marks the Boss’s directorial debut. Knowing he wouldn’t be supporting the album with a tour, the documentary offers fans the world over their only opportunity to see Springsteen perform all 13 songs on the album, backed up by a band and a full orchestra, under the cathedral ceiling of his historic nearly 100-year-old barn. Touching on themes of love and loss, loneliness and family and the inexorable passage of time, the documentary film evokes the American West – both the mythic and the hardscrabble – weaving archival footage and Springsteen’s personal narration with song to tell the story.
“Western Stars, Bruce Springsteen’s best album in years, makes for an enchanting movie that looks bravely ahead at the open road while casting a longing glance in the rear-view mirror,” writes Toronto Star film critic Peter Howell.
Rated PG-13, the film runs 83 minutes. Award-winning Montana film and Big Sky Grant recipient, Willow Creek, opens the evening. Written and directed by Francensa Mirabella, produced and featuring Jenna Ciralli, the short runs 15 minutes.
Following on Wednesday, December 4th, Mickey and the Bear premieres at the Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture at 7pm. Presented as part of the Montana Film Festival Roadshow Tour, filmmakers Annabelle Attanasio (writer and first-time director), Lizzie Shapiro (producer), and Jeri Rafter (co-producer) will be in attendance, with a reception to follow at Squire House.
Filmed in Anaconda, Mickey is a coming-of-age story of a strong-willed teenage girl. Headstrong teenager Mickey Peck (Camila Morrone) navigates a loving but volatile relationship with her veteran father (James Badge Dale). Faced with the day to day responsibility of keeping her household afloat while her father falls apart, Mickey secretly fantasizes of going to college on the west coast, and finally living life on her own terms. When Hank’s controlling, jealous behavior turns destructive, Mickey must decide between familial obligation and personal fulfillment as she puts everything on the line to claim her own independence.
“There’s undeniable emotional resonance in Annabelle Attanasio’s Mickey and the Bear,” writes Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com. Rated R, the film runs 88 minutes. A filmmakers reception follows the screening at Squire House, located in Downtown Bozeman.
Reserved seats for Western Stars are $9.75 for adults or $9.25 for seniors and students. Advance tickets available at www.theellentheatre.org (plus service fees). The Ellen lobby opens one hour before the screening for refreshments.
General admission tickets for Mickey and the Bear are $15 or $13 in-store at Cactus Records, or beginning at 6pm day of show at the Emerson. Tickets also available at www.cactusrecords.net (plus service fees).
Bozeman Film Society seeks out and presents independent films which engage, entertain, and foster an understanding of the world community around us. Visit www.bozemanfilmsociety.org for film previews and further information – and “Keep ‘Em Flickering!” •