There is something insanely romantic about a movie on a city rooftop. And I'm not just talking taking a hold of your girl's hand. It's the night air, the hint nostalgia for drive-in movies, and hopefully stars in the sky as well as the screen.
Here is Portland's schedule thanks to the Northwest Film Center ...
The Northwest Film Center presents:
Top Down: Rooftop Films
July 16-August 27
This summer the Northwest Film Center's Top Down rooftop cinema event is back for a fifth season. Warm starry nights in downtown Portland are filled with entertaining films, culinary treats, live music and spectacular city views, all atop the panoramic parking rooftop at the Hotel deLuxe (SW 15th at Yamhill). The evenings begin at 8pm with local music and refreshments. Gracie's Restaurant will offer easy-to-juggle meals, snacks and cocktails, and additional beverages will be available from TAZO and BridgePort Brewing. The screenings start at dusk—8:45-9:15 pm depending on the light. Attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite portable chair or blanket, but please, no pets or outside food and drink.
Thanks to our sponsors: Hotel deLuxe, the Portland Mercury, Zipcar, 94/7FM Alternative Portland, KPSU—Portland's College Radio, Peter Corvallis Productions, TAZO tea and BridgePort Ales.
Full schedule & tickets available at www.nwfilm.org
JUL 16 THUR 8 PM
US 1933
DIRECTOR: LEO MCCAREY
The verbal and physical comedy roils at a relentless pace in this Marx Brothers masterwork. Wealthy Mrs. Teasdale (Margaret Dumont) personally offers to bail out the failing government of Fredonia—but only if Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho) is appointed President. His opening song—"If you think this country's bad off now, just wait until I get through with it!" —sets the tone for this delightfully absurd madcap farce. (68 mins.)
JUL 23 THUR 8 PM
US 1953
DIRECTOR: LASLO BENEDEK
Criticized at the time of its release for glamorizing an anti-social subculture, inciting delinquency and promoting hooliganism, Hollywood’s cinematic introduction to bike gangs created a quite a stir, and solidified forever Marlon Brando's status as an icon of rebellious youth. Bring your bad attitude, your black leather jacket and something—anything!—to rebel against. (79 mins.)
JUL 30 THUR 8 PM
US 1982
DIRECTOR: DON BLUTH
Based on the Newbery Award-winning book, “Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH,” the story focuses on the plight of timid Mrs. Brisby (Elizabeth Hartman), a widowed field mouse. She must save her son Timothy, bedridden due to an illness, from the farmer's plow, which threatens to unearth their home. Heralded at the time as a return to Disney’s lush classic style, NIMH features the voices of the late Dom DeLuise, John Carradine and Hermione Baddely, as well as Peter Strauss, Shannen Doherty, Wil Wheaton and Derek Jacobi. (82 mins.) Sponsored by Grasshopper Boutique.
AUG 6 THUR 8 PM
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE FABULOUS STAINS -Trailer
CANADA 1981
DIRECTOR: LOU ADLER
This smart, under-appreciated entry in the riot girls genre features the fabulous Diane Lane as Corinne Burns, a tough and sexy angst-addled teen who forms a rock group that is armed to the teeth with attitude and unburdened by musical chops. Featuring a young, lanky Laura Dern, a hunky Ray Winstone (well before his SEXY BEAST days) and various rock dignitaries like Fee Waybill of the Tubes and Paul Cook and Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols, FABULOUS STAINS features standout performances and plenty of rousing pop/punk music. (87 mins.) Sponsored by Rock & Roll Camp for Girls.
MUSIC: SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY ROCK & ROLL CAMP FOR GIRLS
AUG 13 THUR 8 PM
ITALY/FRANCE 1971
DIRECTOR: JACQUES TATI
In his final chapter of the Monsieur Hulot story, Tati, in his signature style of choreographed chaos, plays the designer of a futuristic camper van on a motor trip to transport it from Paris to Amsterdam. “TRAFIC is the very special work of a filmmaker with a unique gift for visual comedy. Like Godard, Tati is also remarkably appreciative of the odd beauty that can be revealed in the shapes, patterns and colors created by the technology of planned obsolescence. For all of the laughter there are moments when the banal utilitarianism of the super-highway is seen as a work of extraordinary art.”—The New York Times. (97 mins.)
AUG 20 THUR 8 PM
US 1939
DIRECTOR: ROWLAND V. LEE
Dripping with gothic creepiness and expressive chiaroscuro, this tale of the son of the deceased Dr. Frankenstein returning home to the castle of big knockers and dastardly deeds will be hauntingly familiar to fans of Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. With Basil Rathbone in the title role, Boris Karloff in his final portrayal of “the Monster,” and introducing the character of Ygor, zestfully played by Bela Lugosi, this essential, entertaining horror classic is the perfect nightmare to waft in on a light breeze and haunt our theatrical aerie. (99 mins.)
AUG 27 THUR 8 PM
AUSTRALIA 1978
DIRECTOR: BRIAN TRENCHARD-SMITH
Unfathomably entertaining, this cinematic abomination follows the weak story of Australian stuntman Grant Page, who comes to LA to advise the ’70s art rock/butt rock band Sorcery (also playing themselves) on their rock opera duel between the King of the Wizards and the Prince of Darkness. Featuring dead serious onstage antics presaging SPINAL TAP, interwoven with unconnected harrowing stunts from Page, this jaw-dropping hybrid is the perfect pairing for a pint or two. (86 mins.) Sponsored by the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA).
LOCATION:
729 SW 15th Avenue
Portland, OR 97205
PHONE:
503-221-1156
ADMISSION/TICKETS:
$8 General
$7 Museum Members, Students, Seniors
$5 Friends of the Film Center
