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Last night the folks at Doc Films reported that an essential component of one of their 35-millimeter projectors is broken. They hope to have it replaced in the next few days; unfortunately, they have to cancel tonight’s 35-millimeter screening of Hou Hsiao-hsien’s A Time to Live and a Time to Die. (A different Hou film will be screened from DVD; admission is free.) I’m disappointed, as early Hou features rarely screen in Chicago, and even more rarely from film. But I don’t hold it against the student film society, a hardworking, volunteer-based organization that offers the most affordable tickets in town. Such snafus are an established part of the Doc Films experience—I probably encounter several technical difficulties there every year. I should note that most of these are minor, resulting in a late start or five-minute break in the film. In any case, I’ve come to appreciate them—they remind me of the teamwork behind any Doc screening and the intricate nature of film projection.
The weather report for tonight calls for clear skies and temperatures in the mid-50s. After Saturday’s heavy rain, our Indian Summer seems to have subsided and the air is finally smelling like autumn. This should be a great night for stepping on dead leaves and finding out which of your neighbors have put up Halloween decorations. Is that better than seeing A Time to Live and a Time to Die? Probably not, but if you set aside the evening anyway, what better excuse to catch up with the movie you live in?
