February 26, 2008

 

Five noteworthy British films light up March Mondays at the Michigan Theater. Each title in the British Invasion Film Series has been selected for its insights into the British character – for better or for worse.

The films share a common thread: although the action on-screen may be horrifying or at least discomfiting, the viewer can’t turn away. All the films will be shown at 7 pm. The month-long series is sponsored by Earl of Sandwich at 307 S. State Street in Ann Arbor. Regular movie prices apply.

The filmic invasion includes:

• March 3 – The Italian Job (1969): The original version, directed by Peter Collinson, stars Michael Caine (before wrinkles) and Noel Coward. This caper film would influence action movies for years to come with its thrilling car chases, explosive pyrotechnics and smash-‘em-up sensibility. (Rated PG. 99 minutes.)

• March 10 –Love Actually (2003): A complicated tapestry of love stories set in contemporary London at Christmastime stars Liam Neeson, Laura Linney, Kiera Knightly, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson and more. (Rated R. 135 minutes.)

• March 17 – The Importance of Being Earnest (1952): Director Anthony Asquith took a Technicolor look at Oscar Wilde’s cutting satire of Victorian life and love with Edith Evans and Michael Redgrave in the original screwball comedy. (Rated PG. 95 minutes.)

• March 24 – How to Get Ahead in Advertising (1989): A rarely-seen gem finds Richard E. Grant as a top advertising executive fed up with the ad game, chucking it all when faced with pitching a new pimple cream. Instead of losing his head, he grows a new one, in this inventive, bizarre satire. (Rated R. 94 minutes.)

• March 31 – Trainspotting (1995): The kinetic, ironic look at junkie culture, based on Irvine Walsh’s novel, follows Edinburgh heroin addicts (Ewan McGregor and Jonny Lee Miller) on alternately comic and off-putting adventures. (Rated R. 94 minutes.)