The Hong Kong Arts Centre co-presents with the Italian Institute Hong Kong & Macau, Magnetic Disorder: Film Retrospective of Lina Wertmüller at the Louis Koo Cinema of the Hong Kong Arts Centre for the screenings of The Basilisks, The Belle Starr Story, The Seduction of Mimi, Love and Anarchy, Swept Away, Seven Beauties, etc. This programme is part of the annual Italia Mia Festival.
Lina Wertmüller was the first female filmmaker to be nominated for Best Director at the Oscars, but Wertmüller was far from part of the filmmaking establishment. After all, her films were too provocative, too crass, too politically incorrect, and too outspoken. Often blending gender dynamics, sex, class and political ideologies in a volatile mix, Wertmüller's films burst at the seams with explosive passion, wit and melancholy, refusing to be pigeonholed into genre and ideological borders. Her films were always uniquely her own, without taking any side in political and gender debate. Though she was daring enough to tackle sensitive issues, she had much preferred seeing opposites clash than advocating for a single ideal.
Wertmüller was a celebrated, but divisive figure who had an equal share of fervent supporters – notoriously harsh film critic John Simon once called Wertmuller “the most important film director since Bergman” – and detractors who hated her bombastic filmmaking style, but it was clear that the maestra would not have had it any other way.
To commemorate Lina Wertmüller's passing in 2021, this programme is screening a selection of her works and a documentary about her life and artistic achievements. The films will be accompanied by after-screening talks.
Program
The Basilisks
Let's Talk About Men
The Belle Starr Story
The Seduction of Mimi
Love and Anarchy
All Screwed Up
Swept Away
Seven Beauties
A Night Full of Rain
Ciao, Professore!
Behind the White Glasses
Individual tickets and a tickets package (one ticket each for all 11 programmes) are available at www.popticket.hk now. Further discounts are available for group bookings of over 20 tickets, please visit the Hong Kong Arts Centre website for further details. Group booking form is attached.
