Origin Stories: Greta Gerwig's footnotes to LADY BIRD and in person at select screenings, Nov 1-9

Last April, Greta Gerwig helped launch Quad Cinema's "First Encounters" series, watching Blue Velvet for the first time and sharing her experience with the audience. For November, she returns, bringing a dozen movies to share with audiences over several days. These are films close to her heart, ones that influenced and informed her as the writer and director of the rapturous new comedy/drama Lady Bird (opening November 3rd via A24). Her playlist touches on many of her film’s themes: mothers and daughters, childhood memory, friendship, Northern California, first love, and musical theater. It’s a collection of righteous, joyous, bittersweet movies for an angry time.

With Greta Gerwig in person at select screenings

American Graffiti George Lucas, 1973, 35mm

Amarcord American Federico Fellini, 1974, 35mm

Fat City John Huston, 1972, DCP

Flirting John Duigan, 1990, 35mm

The 400 Blows François Truffaut, 1959, 35mm

Grey Gardens David and Albert Maysles, 1975, DCP

Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles

Pretty in Pink Howard Deutch, 1986, 35mm

Say Anything…Cameron Crowe, 1989, DCP

Secrets & Lies Mike Leigh, 1996, 35mm

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Explaining the Ending of MULHOLLAND DRIVE

MULHOLLAND DRIVE is a complex and surreal film directed by David Lynch, known for its non-linear narrative and dreamlike sequences. The ending is open to interpretation and has been the subject of much debate among viewers. Here's a breakdown of the ending: Diane's Dream vs. Reality: Throughout the film, there are two main narrative threads: one follows Betty/Diane's dreamlike experiences in Hollywood, and the other delves into Diane's harsh reality. The ending reveals that the majority of the film has been a dream constructed by Diane Selwyn, a failed actress, as a means to escape the guilt and pain of her actions. Betty/Diane's Descent into Madness: Betty, played by Naomi Watts, represents Diane's idealized self—a hopeful and innocent aspiring actress. However, as the film progresses, it becomes clear that Betty's story is unraveling, and her identity begins to merge with Diane's. This culminates in the revelation that Betty is merely a construct of Di...

Final Destination Bloodlines Set to Bring Fresh Horrors to the Franchise

The long-running and fan-favorite horror series Final Destination is set to make its return with Final Destination Bloodlines, bringing a new chapter of supernatural terror to the big screen. Scheduled for a theatrical and IMAX release on May 16, 2025, in the U.S. (and internationally beginning May 14), the film promises to continue the franchise’s tradition of chilling premonitions and inescapable fate. The upcoming installment features a fresh ensemble cast, including Kaitlyn Santa Juana (The Friendship Game, The Flash), Teo Briones (Chucky, Will vs. The Future), Richard Harmon (The 100, The Age of Adaline), Owen Patrick Joyner (Julie and the Phantoms, 100 Things to Do Before High School), and Anna Lore (They/Them, Gotham Knights). Also joining the cast are Brec Bassinger (Stargirl, Bella and the Bulldogs) and horror icon Tony Todd, who reprises his role from the original Final Destination films. Todd, best known for his chilling portrayal of the titular character in the Candyman fra...

4K Blu-ray Review: Drop (2025) — A Tense, Tech-Driven Thriller That Mostly Sticks the Landing

In Drop, director Christopher Landon (Freaky, Happy Death Day) crafts a nerve-wracking thriller centered on a devastating dilemma: would you take a life to save the ones you love? The story follows Violet, a widowed single mom attempting to re-enter the dating world after years of grief and recovery. Played with emotional precision by Meghann Fahy, Violet finds herself on a promising first date with the affable and seemingly genuine Henry (Brandon Sklenar) in an elegant, glass-walled Chicago restaurant. But their evening takes a sinister turn when Violet receives a disturbing message via a sleek, anonymous app called DigiDrop: if she doesn’t kill her date before the check arrives, her son and sister will die. What unfolds is a tightly wound 95-minute thriller that feels both classic and timely. The film builds its suspense through confinement, not action. Most of the story unfolds in real-time at their dinner table, creating a pressure-cooker environment that reflects Violet’s psycholo...

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