In the womb chamber this weekend

Today the eight millionth film adaptation of a Philip K. Dick novel opens at the Tivoli. PKD adaptations have come in every form from groundbreaking (Blade Runner) to Hollywood big budget (Total Recall, Minority Report) to utterly forgettable and passed by (Imposter). It’s a little irritating that by the time I’m fifty almost every Dick novel or story will have seen the screen. Especially since it all comes after he’s been long dead. However, I have hope for A Scanner Darkly. Linklater is a Dick fan, and the trailer makes the film appear to be faithful to the novel (though I’m not always sure that’s good). I’m a little nervous about Keanu. Neo and Agent Fred/Bob Arctor are miles apart. But here’s hoping for at least some minor entertainment.

Also, there’s a real gem playing at Webster Saturday night: Louis Malle’s Ascenseur pour l’echafaud (it’s gone by different English titles—Webster’s calling it Elevator to the Gallows). A perfect murder is only perfect until one loose end is left dangling (literally!). Beautiful noir goodness with an excellent jazz score by Miles Davis. Don’t miss this one chance to see it on the big screen.
--Jason