No One Knows About Persian Cats
Did you know that Tehran has a thriving indie-rock scene? Did you know that there are supposedly 2,000 bands in this underground movement? Do you think any of them sound like Arcade Fire? This fictional film is set in that scene — a scene banned by the Iranian government, by the way — as a couple tries to get a group together so they can leave their oppressive country and tour Europe. Where they will undoubtedly become hipster douches who claim to have listened to Can way before you did. Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. At 7:10 p.m. Saturday, July 24, and 8 p.m. Sunday, July 25. (Michael Gallucci)
The Exploding Girl
Sadly, a girl does not explode in this new movie about an epileptic young woman coming of age during college break. But wouldn't it be cool if she did explode? Ka-pow! Cleveland Museum of Art Morley Lecture Hall. At 7 p.m. Friday, July 23.
Jason and the Argonauts
This 1963 movie about some dude looking for a golden fleece has one great thing going for it: Ray Harryhausen's groundbreaking stop-motion monsters. You know those skeletons Johnny Depp fought in Pirates of the Caribbean? Totally ripped off from here. Cleveland Museum of Art Morley Lecture Hall. At 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 21.
Monkey Business
The Cinematheque's salute to the Marx Brothers continues with their first movie written specifically for the screen (their previous films were adaptations of stage plays). It's set at sea on a giant ship. And at least one of them plays a musical instrument. Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. At 8:05 p.m. Thursday, July 22, and 5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 24.
The Secret of Kelis
Nominated for an Oscar this year, this animated feature set in the ninth century is about a boy, a monk, and an unfinished manuscript. As far as we know, there are no talking animals or fart jokes. Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. At 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 22.
The Square
An Australian noir that plays a lot like a Coen Brothers movie: A couple hit the road with a bag of cash stolen from the woman's husband. Two siblings wrote and directed, and one of them is even named Joel. Are we sure this isn't a Coen hoax? Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. At 9:25 p.m. Friday, July 23, and 5:45 p.m. Sunday, July 25.
Stray Dog
Before he became film snobs' favorite Japanese director, Akira Kurosawa made this 1949 crime movie about a detective tracking down his stolen gun. So this is one Kurosawa movie where you won't see Toshiro Mifune in a loincloth. Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. At 7 p.m. Friday, July 23, and 9:15 p.m. Saturday, July 24.
