Lost in La Mancha
In August 2000, master filmmaker Terry Gilliam finally got his opportunity to create his dream film, The Man Who Killed Don Quixote. Financed entirely by European backers, the big-budgeted film was going to star Johnny Depp and be a big hit. However, for all the combined creativity and enthusiasm, the film was immediately plagued with an improbable series of disasters ranging from scheduling conflicts, budget cuts, studio and location problems to back injuries and freak storms. Gilliam eventually abandonded the project and made the rather tepid The Brothers Grimm instead. Filmmakers Keith Fulton and Louis Pepe were on hand throughout the production, documenting the tragic destruction of an artist's lifelong dream. And now you can marvel at the man's bad luck, too. Irvine Fine Arts Center, 14321 Yale Ave., Irvine, (949) 724-6880. Tues., 7 p.m. Free.
OTHER SCREENINGS
Borderlands. Casa Romantica closes out its Native California programming with this documentary film screening. The film screening and Q&A session with Cahuilla artist Gerald Clarke and filmmaker Sean Owens will open with a performance by traditional Cahuilla Bird Singers. Casa Romantica, 415 Ave. Granada, San Clemente, (949) 498-2139; www.casaromantica.org. Fri., 7 p.m. Free.
Happy Feet. Oscar-winning film about a penguin who chooses to dance rather than sing and his efforts to discover why the fish the colony normally would be eating are starting to dwindle. Featuring the vocal talents of Robin Williams, Elijah Wood, Brittany Murphy, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Hugo Weaving and Reno 911's Carlos Alazraqui. The film will be shown outdoors on a giant screen. Bring your blankets and beach chairs to the park amphitheater for a family night of fun. Arovista Park, near Elm and Sievers St., Brea, (714) 990-7177. Fri., 8 p.m. Free.
I Know I'm Not Alone. Musician/filmmaker Michael Franti traveled to the Middle East to provide his unique perspective on the situation there. His film is being screened as part of Long Beach's triumphantly reopened Bookstore, 2226 E. Fourth St., Long Beach, (562) 499-6736; www.accessopen.com. Sat., 6 p.m. Free.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. Featuring James Stewart as a senator whose career was built on his pursuit and killing of notorious outlaw Liberty Valance, this John Ford western also features John Wayne and Lee Marvin. The Friday Film Forum will present a preshow program of shorts, cartoons and surprises. Long Beach School for Adults, 3701 E. Willow St., Long Beach, (562) 997-8000. Fri., 7 p.m. $1 materials fee.
Quinceanera. Fourteen-year-old Magdalena's upcoming quinceaera is threatened by the fact she has become pregnant. Abandoned by her immediate family, Magdalena takes refuge with a great-granduncle and her gay cousin Carlos and tries to start her new life. Humanities Instructional Building 100, Campus N Peltason drs., Irvine, (949) 824-5493; www.filmandvideocenter.com. Thurs., July 5. 7 p.m. Free.
Rocky Horror Picture Show. Some do Pilates; some do “The Time Warp.” It's okay, boys, put on some makeup and look fabulous—a lot of girls are into ambiguous sexuality. Well, at least they were in Santa Cruz. Royal Theater aboard theQueen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, (562) 684-4411; www.qmxroyal.com. Fri.-Sat., midnight. $8.
Spike and Mike's Sick and Twisted Festival of Animation. Now, I'm no prude, but I've always preferred the non-sick and twisted festival. It seems like more energy is spent being offensive than being creative in the Sick and Twisted showcase, but hey, that's got its place as well. Make sure to leave the kids at home. . . . This stuff would make Walt Disney spin in his freezer. Royal Theater aboard theQueen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, (562) 684-4411; www.qmxroyal.com. Fri., 8:30 p.m. $8.
Mail your press releases (and a videotape or disc, if available) to Special Screenings,OC Weekly, 1666 N. Main St., Ste. 500, Santa Ana, CA 92701-7417. Or send e-mail to tc****@oc******.com. All materials must be received at least two weeks before the screening.
