Technology has changed the way we consume films. Viewers will wait to watch a film on Netflix or iTunes rather than pay for theater tickets. I think this is a mistake. There is something special about watching movies with others and seeing a film on the big screen. That is why when the Seattle International Film Festival announced at the Opening Night Gala that they signed a longterm lease with Seattle Central College for an investment in the Egyptian theater, the audience erupted with applause.
This weekend the Egyptian opens with films honoring their greatest hits: Amelie, Enter The Dragon, Pan’s Labyrinth, My Neighbor Totoro, and Kagemusha. I am most excited about Kagemusha, mainly because I have not seen it before. For me, it will be the New Old Stock experience of watching a film on the big screen.
Kagemusha, directed by Akira Kurosawa, is set in 16th century Japan and tells the tale of thief (Kagemusha) who poses as a double to a powerful warlord. When the warlord is assassinated, Kagemusha is forced to continue his role of imposter by those second in command. Kurosawa delayed production of this film due to lack of financial support until Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas signed on to help him out. The financial help enabled Kurosawa to create elaborate war scenes using 5,000 extras, and 200 horses and obtain international recognition.
Kagemusha
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Cast: Tatsuya Nakadai, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Ken’ichi Hagiwara
Run Time: 180 mins
Release Year: 1980
Country Of Origin: Japan
Egyptian Theater
801 E Pine Street
Seattle, WA, 98122
Sunday, October 6th at 3pm. Tickets $5
