For many filmmakers, the world’s most visited museum has served as a prominent location, used for its physical presence and for its psychological, cultural, and historical connotation. This is the theme of an upcoming American Cinematheque program, “The Louvre Cinema”, playing at the Aero Theater in Santa Monica California from April 10th through the 11th.
“Band of Outsiders”, Jean-Luc Godard’s 1964 offbeat slapstick about three blundering thieves, who, during their jaunting, have a running visit to the Louvre, will be the first of a double feature on April 11th. Jean-Paul Salome’s “Belphegor, Lefantome Du Louvre”(“Ghosts Of The Louvre”), a 2001 about ghosts who escape ancient artifacts stored in the Louvre, will follow Godard’s film.
The Louvre is also the focus of a documentary that will be shown on Thursday, April 10th. “La Ville Louvre” (City Louvre), Nicholas Philibert’s 1990 film takes an in depth look at the famous museum, from the bureaucratic operations to the discovery of hidden artwork.
The American Cinematheque will then switch gears the following day, showing two films by Albert Lamorisse in newly restored versions available for the first time. “The Red Balloon”, Lamorisse’s 1956 classic will be shown on April 12th in its newly restored version. One of the most beloved children’s films of all time, the film follows a young boy as he wanders the Paris streets following a stray red balloon.
“White Mane”, a 1953 film by Lamorisse, will be shown after “The Red Balloon”. Set in a desert location in the south of France, “White Mane” is a story about the friendship between a boy and his horse and their search for freedom.
More information, including ticket prices, can be found at American Cinematheque