SPECIAL SCREENINGS

The Ape USA, 2004, 90 min. Director: James Franco Executive Producer: James Franco Producer: Vince Jolivette, David Klein, Zak Charles Knutson Screenplay: James Franco and Merriwether Williams Cast: Allison Bibicoff, James Franco, Vince Jolivette, Brian Lally and Stacey Miller Human resources drone and put-upon family man Harry imagines he could be the next Dostoyevsky if he could just get a little peace and quiet. When he moves into his own apartment to craft his masterpiece, his solitude is broken by an unexpected roommate — a foul-mouthed, Hawaiian shirt-wearing gorilla, eager to share his opinions on life, love, and animal magnetism. Proving he's more than just Spider-Man's nemesis, director, co-writer and star James Franco charismatically embodies the wannabe artist whose instincts threaten to overwhelm his intellect when he embraces his own inner ape. Sunday, Oct. 30, 3 p.m., Lucas Theatre

Capote USA, 2005 Director: Bennett Miller Executive Producer: Dan Futterman, Philp Seymour Hoffman, Kerry Rock, Danny Rosett Producer: Caroline Baron, Michael Ohoven, William Vince Screenplay: Dan Futterman Cinematography: Adam Kimmel Editor: Christopher Tellefsen Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Clifton Collins Jr. and Chris Cooper In November, 1959, Truman Capote (Philip Seymour Hoffman), the author of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and a favorite figure in what is soon to be known as the Jet Set, reads an article on a back page of the New York Times. It tells of the murders of four members of a well-known farm family — the Clutters — in Holcomb, Kansas. Similar stories appear in newspapers almost every day, but something about this one catches Capote’s eye. It presents an opportunity, he believes, to test his long-held theory that, in the hands of the right writer, non-fiction can be as compelling as fiction. What impact have the murders had on that tiny town on the wind-swept plains? With that as his subject — for his purpose, it does not matter if the murderers are never caught — he convinces The New Yorker magazine to give him an assignment and he sets out for Kansas. Accompanying him is a friend from his Alabama childhood: Harper Lee (Catherine Keener), who within a few months will win a Pulitzer Prize and achieve fame of her own as the author of To Kill a Mockingbird. Though his childlike voice, fey mannerisms and unconventional clothes arouse initial hostility in a part of the country that still thinks of itself as part of the Old West, Capote quickly wins the trust of the locals, most notably Alvin Dewey (Chris Cooper), the Kansas Bureau of Investigation agent who is leading the hunt for the killers. Caught in Las Vegas, the killers — Perry Smith (Clifton Collins Jr.) and Dick Hickock (Mark Pellegrino) — are returned to Kansas, where they are tried, convicted and sentenced to die. Capote visits them in jail. As he gets to know them, he realizes that what he had thought would be a magazine article has grown into a book, a book that could rank with the greatest in modern literature. His subject is now as profound as any an American writer has ever tackled. It is nothing less than the collision of two Americas: the safe, protected country the Clutters knew and the rootless, amoral country inhabited by their killers. Hidden behind Capote’s often frivolous façade is a writer of towering ambition. But even he wonders if he can write the book — the great book — he believes destiny has handed him. “Sometimes, when I think how good it could be,” he writes a friend, “I can hardly breathe.” Friday, Nov. 4, 7 p.m., Trustees Theater

The Derby Stallion USA, 2005, 98 min. Director: Craig Clyde Executive producer: Edward J. Davidson Producer: Tonja Walker Screenplay: Kimberly Gough Cast: Bill Cobbs, Zac Efron, Crystal Hunt, Colton James, William R. Moses, Michael Nardelli, Rob Pinkston and Tonja Walker Patrick McCardle is a quiet 15-year-old boy who has never quite been able to fit in. Not quite knowing what to do with his life, Patrick feels most comfortable when visiting his best friend Mr. Jones, a kindly old black man with a taste for wine, gambling and blues music played expertly on an old Dobro. Patrick's visits to Mr. Jones are often in secret since his parents feel the old man and his drinking are a bad influence on their son. They are unaware of the difference this man has and is about to make in many lives, including their own. Tuesday, Nov. 1, 3 p.m., Lucas Theatre

Director’s Choice The Savannah Film Festival is pleased to premiere a special surprise screening of a highly anticipated film due out this holiday season from a major studio. USA, 2005 Wednesday, Nov. 2, 7 p.m., Trustees Theater

Greta May UK, 2005, 10 min. Director: Clifford Thurlow Executive producers: Maureen Murray, Metro Seven/Clifford Thurlow Producer: Sacha Van Spall Screenplay: Clifford Thurlow Cinematography: Jean-Philippe Gossart Editor: Tony Appleton Cast: Jess Murphy, Philip Desmeules, Emma Rand, Thomas Snowdon, David Stern Actress Greta May has lost her confidence. She has lost her rising star boyfriend Oliver Morrell. And she has lost her big break in a major new play that Oliver has made a roaring success. When a stranger gives Greta his telephone number it only adds to her sense of desolation until her worldly-wise flatmate Rachel tells her the only way to get over someone is to get under someone else. Greta May is uncertain about Rachel's shallow advice but, left alone, she makes the telephone call in the vain hope that an encounter with the stranger will change her life and put her back in the spotlight. Wednesday, Nov. 2, 3 p.m., Trustees Theater

Feast USA, 2005, 80 min. Director: John Gulager Executive Producers: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Chris Moore, Wes Craven, Bob Weinstein Producer: Joel Soisson, Mike Leahy Screenplay: Marcus Dunstan, Patrick Melton Cinematography: Tom Callaway Editor: Kirk Morri Cast: Navi Rawat, Krista Allen, Balthazar Getty, Judah Freidlander, Clu Gulager, Jenny Wade, Duane Whitaker, Jason Mewes, Henry Rollins, Diane Goldner, Josh Zuckerman, Eileen Ryan, Anthony “Treach” Criss, Eric Dane, Chauntae Davies, Somah Haaland and Tyler Patrick Jones A motley crew of bar patrons is forced to fend for their lives as a family of flesh-hungry creatures lay siege to an isolated tavern. Monday, Oct. 31, 9:30 p.m., Trustees Theater

Good Night, And Good Luck USA, 2005, 90 min. Director: George Clooney Screenplay: George Clooney and Grant Heslov Cast: Patricia Clarkson, George Clooney, Jeff Daniels, Tate Donovan, Robert Downey, Jr., Frank Langella, David Strathairn and Ray Wise Set during the early days of broadcast journalism in 1950's America,“Good Night, And Good Luck” chronicles the real-life conflict between television newsman Edward R. Murrow and Senator Joseph McCarthy and the Permanent Sub-committee on Investigations (Government Operations Committee). With a desire to report the facts and enlighten the public, Murrow, and his dedicated staff defy corporate and sponsorship pressures to examine the lies and scaremongering tactics perpetrated byMcCarthy during his communist “witch-hunts.” A very public feud develops when the Senator responds by accusing the anchor of being a communist. In this climate of fear and reprisal, the CBS news crew carries on, proving their tenacity is both historic and monumental.   Saturday, Oct. 29, 7 p.m., Trustees Theater

The Matador USA, Germany, Ireland, 2005, 97 min. Director: Richard Shepard Executive producers: Mark Gordon, Josef Lautenschlager, Adam Merims, Andrew Reimer, Andreas Thiesmeyer Producer: Pierce Brosnan, Beau St. Clair Screenplay: Richard Shepard Cinematography: David Tattersall Editor: Carole Kravetz Cast: Pierce Brosnan, Greg Kinnear, Hope Davis and Philip Baker Hall Starring Pierce Brosnan and Greg Kinnear, "The Matador" is the endlessly entertaining tale of a hit-man who has unexpectedly reached the end of his game, and the lengths he will go to in the attempt to restore his reputation. The film also stars Hope Davis, Phillip Baker Hall, Dylan Baker, and Adam Scott. Traveling salesman, Danny Wright (Greg Kinnear), is in Mexico City with his business partner, on the verge of securing a lucrative account. With his hopes high for landing the deal he accidentally meets up with Julian (Pierce Brosnan), "a facilitator of fatalities," at a Mexico City bar. Their subsequent evening together, however awkward or unintended, intertwines their lives in ways they could never have imagined. Each one is facing what could be a life-changing moment, and though they ostensibly have nothing in common, they're drawn together. The twists and turns of fate are revealed and along with them, the pair's unexpected, but lasting, bond. As funny as it is strangely poignant, "The Matador" takes the hit-man film and spins it on its head while creating a story that is original and genuinely moving. Written and directed by Richard Shepard,"The Matador" is produced by Pierce Brosnan and Beau St. Clair. A Furst Films/Bob Yari production, the film is distributed in North America by The Weinstein Co. Thursday, Nov. 3, 7 p.m., Trustees Theater

Mrs. Henderson Presents UK, 2005, 103 min. Director: Stephen Frears Executive producers: David Aukin, Bob Hoskins Producer: Norma Heyman Screenplay: Martin Sherman Cinematography: Andrew Dunn Editor: Lucia Zucchetti Cast: Judi Dench, Bob Hoskins, Will Young, Kelly Reilly, Thelma Barlow and Christopher Guest Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins star in this musical comedy that pays homage to the great Windmill Theatre and the British knack for "soldiering on" in times of trouble. Set in London, just before the Second World War, "Mrs. Henderson Presents" is the true story of one of England's most prominent and eccentric society figures, Laura Henderson (Judi Dench). At 69 years old, Mrs. Henderson finds herself widowed and bored. To the shock of her friends, she decides to purchase an abandoned Soho cinema and transforms it into the historic Windmill Theatre. Totally naive about the ways of the theatre, she enlists the help of the tenacious Vivian Van Damm (Bob Hoskins) to manage the establishment. Polar opposites, this argumentative pair struggles between his desire for artistic freedom and her endless stream of ideas to get the theatre off the ground. Despite Mrs. Henderson's vigour and determination, nothing seems to draw crowds or bring the stage to life. That is, until she comes across a legal loophole that allows her to sidestep the censorship laws and stage a smash hit— the Nude Revue. Provided the stage performers do not move a muscle, they can appear nude. When the war begins, the show becomes a haven for thousands of young soldiers. But as the bombing in London begins, the government threatens to close the theatre. Mrs. Henderson's fighting spirit is revealed— and so is the secret that drew her to buy the Windmill in the first place. Directed by Stephen Frears, "Mrs. Henderson Presents" is written by Martin Sherman. With music by George Fenton, the film is produced by Norma Heyman. "Mrs. Henderson Presents" is a Heyman-Hoskins production, presented by Pathé Pictures International, BBC Films and the WeinsteinCo. Tuesday, Nov. 1, 7 p.m., Trustees Theater

The Owl and the Pussycat USA, 1970, 95 min. Director: Herbert Ross Producer: Ray Stark Screenplay: Buck Henry Cast: Robert Klein, George Segal and Barbara Streisand Meek, owlish Felix and strident, catty Doris live in the same apartment building. Felix’s incessant typing bothers Doris, and her gentlemen callers bother him. Felix informs the landlord of her activities, so Doris moves in on Felix. They both get thrown out and move in with a friend until their antics drive him out. It’s only then that Doris and Felix finally decide to test the theory of whether opposites really attract.   Tuesday, Nov. 1, 12:30 p.m., Lucas Theatre

Phantom of the Opera USA, 1925, 93 min. Director: Rupert Julian Producer: Carl Laemmle Screenplay: Elliot Clawson and James Spearing Cast: Lon Chaney, Arthur Edmund, Norman Kerry and Mary Philbin Everyone knows the classic story of the “Phantom of the Opera,” but how many have seen the original cinematic masterpiece set to live music? Join in as the story of Christine and her phantom admirer unfurls on the screen as it did in its debut in 1925. Wednesday, Nov. 2, 9:30 p.m., Lucas Theatre

Pride and Prejudice UK, 2005, 90 min. Director: Joe Wright Executive Producers: Liza Chasin, Debra Hayward Producer: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Paul Webster Screenplay: Deborah Moggach Cinematography: Roman Osin Editor: Paul Tothill Cast: Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Brenda Blethyn, Donald Sutherland, Tom Hollander, Rosamund Pike, Jena Malone, Judi Dench The glorious world of Jane Austen is at last brought back to the big screen in all its romance, wit, and emotional force. Faithful to the setting and period of the beloved novel and filmed entirely on location in the U.K, this is the first movie version of the story in 65 years. The classic tale of love and misunderstanding unfolds in class-conscious England near the close of the 18th century. The five Bennet sisters — Elizabeth, or Lizzie (Keira Knightley), Jane (Rosamund Pike), Lydia (Jena Malone), Mary (Talulah Riley), and Kitty (Carey Mulligan) — have been raised well aware of their mother’s (two-time Academy Award nominee Brenda Blethyn) fixation on finding them husbands and securing set futures. The spirited and intelligent Elizabeth, however, strives to live her life with a broader perspective, as encouraged by her doting father (two-time Golden Globe Award winner Donald Sutherland). When wealthy bachelor Mr. Bingley (Simon Woods) takes up residence in a nearby mansion, the Bennets are abuzz. Amongst the man’s sophisticated circle of London friends and the influx of young militia officers, surely there will be no shortage of suitors for the Bennet sisters. Eldest daughter Jane, serene and beautiful, seems poised to win Mr. Bingley’s heart. For her part, Lizzie meets with the handsome and — it would seem — snobbish Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen), and the battle of the sexes is joined. Their encounters are frequent and spirited yet far from encouraging. Lizzie finds herself even less inclined to accept a marriage proposal from a distant cousin, Mr. Collins (Tom Hollander), and — supported by her father — stuns her mother and Mr. Collins by declining. When the heretofore good-natured Mr. Bingley abruptly departs for London, devastating Jane, Lizzie holds Mr. Darcy culpable for contributing to the heartbreak. But a crisis involving youngest sister Lydia soon opens Lizzie’s eyes to the true nature of her relationship with Mr. Darcy. The ensuing rush of feelings leaves no one unchanged, and inspires the Bennets and everyone around them to reaffirm what is most important in life. Saturday, Nov. 5, 7 p.m., Trustees Theater

Red Thread USA, 2005, 104 min. Director: Teddy Sharkova Pashikov Executive Producer: Harvey Ray Producer: Stratton Leopold Screenplay: Teddy Sharkova Pashikov Cast: Jonathan Irons, Diana Scarwid, Eamon Sheehan and Jasmine Brooke White Billy works as a maintenance man in a luxury apartment complex. Tamara, a new tenant, is engaged to Mark and on the verge of forgetting her dreams to become a trophy wife.  Miss Johnson, the widowed apartment complex manager, can think of nothing but ways to lure young Billy into her lair and seduce him. One night, soon after her fiance has gone on a business trip, Tamara gets injured. There is no one to help her except the maintenance man. Tamara and Billy unexpectedly discover a friendship that could lead them to realize the dreams they’d nearly given up on – if only Tamara weren’t engaged and Miss Johnson weren’t watching. Wednesday, Nov. 2, 3 p.m., Trustees Theater

Requiem for a Dream USA, 2000, 102 min. Director: Darren Aronofsky Executive producers: Beau Flynn, Stefan Simchowitz, Nick Wechsler Producer: Eric Watson, Palmer West Screenplay: Hubert Selby Jr., Darren Aronofsky Cinematography: Matthew Libatique Editor: Jay Rabinowitz Cast: Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly and Marlon Wayans Drugs. They consume mind, body and soul. Four lives. Four addicts. Four failures. Doing their best to succeed in the world, but failing miserably, four people get hooked on various drugs. Despite their aspirations of greatness, they succumb to their addictions. Watching the addicts spiral out of control, we bear witness to the dirtiest, ugliest portions of the underworld addicts reside in…(IMDB) Friday, Nov. 4, 3 p.m., Trustees Theater

The Secret of N.I.M.H. USA, 1982, 82 min. Director: Don Bluth Executive producers: Mel Griffin, Rich Irvine and James L. Stewart Producers: Don Bluth and Gary Goldman Screenplay: Don Bluth, Will Finn and Gary Goldman Cast: John Carradine, Dom Deluise, Elizabeth Hartman, Eric Idle, DerekJacobi, Harvey Korman, Ralph Macchio, William H. Macy, Peter Strauss and Wil Wheaton  Suspenseful and heartwarming, this beautifully animated odyssey stars Mrs. Brisby, a mild-mannered mother mouse with a plan to move Heaven and Earth (or at least her house and home) to save her family from Farmer Fitzgibbon's plow. Along the way she gets some help from a lovelorn crow, a busybody neighbor mouse and a fearsome great owl. Unfortunately, Mrs. Brisby will need an engineering miracle to hoist her home, and for that she must face a mysterious rat, fend off a ferocious cat and claim a magic amulet. But when Mrs. Brisby discovers the astounding secret of N.I.M.H., it could change her life forever. Saturday, Nov. 5, 3 p.m., Trustees Theater

The Squid and the Whale USA, 2005, 88 min. Director: Noah Baumbach Executive producers: Reverge Anselmo, Miranda Bailey, Greg Johnson and Andrew Lauren Producers: Wes Anderson, Charlie Corwin, Clara Markowicz and Peter Newman Screenplay: George Clooney and Grant Heslov Cast: Jeff Daniels, Jesse Eisenberg, Halley Feiffer, Owen Kline and Laura Linney “The Squid and the Whale” captures with extraordinary immediacy the inner workings of the Berkman family in 1986 Brooklyn. Bernard, an academic and author, and his restless wife Joan, an up-and-coming writer, have given up on their marriage. Their two sons Walt and Frank are left to grapple with their confusing and conflicted feelings. The experience is a tender, funny and ultimately moving coming-of-age for Walt and a tortuously premature one for Frank. The emotional tensions and strains that emerge during this difficult period for the Berkmans are given a remarkably subtle and nuanced portrayal as a family in transition learns to redefine itself. Monday, Oct. 31, 7 p.m., Trustees Theater

Troop 1500 USA, 2005, 68 min. Director: Ellen Spiro Producer: Karen Bernstein Their mothers may be convicted thieves, murderers and drug dealers,but the girls of Troop 1500 want to be doctors, social workers and marine biologists. Will their participation in one of America’s oldest and most venerable girls’ clubs help them realize their dreams, or will history repeat itself in this documentary? Saturday, Nov. 5, 12:30 p.m., Trustees Theater

The White Countess United Kingdom/USA/Germany/China, 2005, 105 minutes Director: James Ivory Executive producers: Andre Morgan, Andreas Schmid, Marcus Schofer Producers: Andreas Grosch and Ismail Merchant Screenplay: Kazuo Ishiguro Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Vanessa Redgrave, Lynn Redgrave and Natasha Richardson Set in Shanghai in the late 1930s, this is the story of the relationship between a disillusioned former U.S. diplomat — Todd Jackson, who has lost his sight and is now languishing in Shanghai’s grand hotels and elite gentlemen’s clubs after the violent deaths of his wife and children — and a refugee Russian countess reduced to a sordid life in the city's bars. Sunday, Oct. 30, 7 p.m., Trustees Theater

Yesterday South Africa, 2004, 96 minutes Director: Darrell Roodt Executive Producers: Sudhir Pragjee and Sanjeev Singh Producers: Anant Singh and Helena Spring Screenplay: Darrell Roodt Cast: Kenneth Khambula, Leleti Khumalo and Harriet Lenabe Yesterday, a poor young mother, lives in Rooihoek, a remote village in South Africa’s Zululand. While she has little in the way of possessions, Yesterday maintains a happy nature and takes great joy in her seven-year-old daughter, Beauty. The precarious balance of Yesterday’s life is suddenly threatened when she is diagnosed with AIDS and must journey afar to understand and confront her illness. Yesterday’s primary driving force is Beauty, who is a year away from starting school. While she never had the chance to go to school, Yesterday sets her sights on a single goal — to be with Beauty on her first day of class, along with all the other proud mothers. “Yesterday” is a story of courage, compassion and hope that puts a human face on the politics and statistics of the AIDS crisis shortly after the emergence of democracy in that country. Wednesday, Nov. 2, 12:30 p.m., Trustees Theater