Film Screening 20th July, 1999

Poster for A Trip to the Moon

A Trip to the Moon 

8:00 PM, 20th July, 1999

  • G
  • 12 mins
  • Unknown
  • Georges Melies

On July 20, 1969, after a four day trip, the astronauts of the Apollo 11 mission arrived at the Moon. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of this historic event, the Group will screen an early silent film by Melies based on the Jules Verne story which may possibly be the first science fiction film ever made.

Poster for Ravenous

Ravenous 

8:15 PM, 20th July, 1999

  • MA
  • 98 mins
  • Unknown
  • Antonia Bird
  • Guy Pearce, Robert Carlyle, Jeremy Davies, Jeffrey Jones, John Spencer, Stephen Spinella, Neal McDonough, David Arquette

Despite acting out of cowardice Captain John Boyd (Pearce) receives a promotion and commendation by mistakingly being at the right place at the right time. He is then kicked sideways, ending up serving at a fort in the middle of nowhere. Nothing much happens until a half mad stranger (Carlyle) is rescued from suffering near starvation. This man, claiming various identities, is actually much more than he seems. He is a Wendigo, a 'monster' created when a human eats of the flesh of other humans, stealing the essence and the strength of his victims. He is stronger and tougher than any normal human and is addicted to the high of consuming 'long pig'. And now he wants some companions in his little society.

This film could have easily degenerated into a slasher, but avoids this with some very off-putting black humour, some fine acting and a well-directed, well-written script. The score by Damon Albarn and Michael Nyman is also evocative which complements the film to perfection. Ravenous could perhaps have been a little more spiritual in its approach and it might have been interesting to hear more of the Native American Indian tribal legends devoted to the Wendigo, but then, this is hardly a documentary. It is a tough meal, but one worth pursuing.

Matthew Last