Sacred symbols shown in SM

By Daily Press staff

Antoine Bonsorte, whose works have been featured in movies such as “Batman,” “Apollo 13,” “Casino,” “Star Wars,” “Stargate,” “Superman” and “Terminator,” will showcase a collection of photographs related to sacred symbols and chosen grounds in a special showing opening on Saturday, from 4 p.m. to midnight. The exhibit will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day through Dec. 17. There is no charge to view the exhibition.

Bonsorte’s photographic exhibit is inspired by beauty, love and awareness, and will include both still life and montage images. The exhibit is entitled “I Belong to You” and will be held at Bonsorte Studio, 2401 Lincoln Blvd.

A renowned designer and artist, Bonsorte’s artworks have adorned the sets, décors and wardrobes of many movies. His latest works include the “Superman Returns” and “Memories of a Geisha.” Bonsorte has also designed projects for television series, commercials, casinos and nightclubs such as the RA Night Club at the Luxor Hotel, Las Vegas and the Borgata Casino in Atlantic City.

For more information, please call (310) 450-5200 or visit www.bonsorte.com.



Tribute to Frears

By Daily Press staff

The American Cinematheque presents a tribute to Director Stephen Frears at the Aero Theatre, from Dec. 2 through Dec. 6. In addition to his acclaimed “The Queen” — Fears’ latest effort, starring Helen Mirren — the series is a chance to look back at some of his best feature films. It wasn’t until 1984 with “The Hit,” starring John Hurt, Terence Stamp and a very young Tim Roth, that Frears received unanimous critical acclaim and found a cult smash on his hands. Since the 1990’s, he has directed a mixture of big studio films (“Hero,” “High Fidelity”) and smaller, more personal projects (”The Van,” “Dirty Pretty Things”). Falling somewhere in between was his collaboration with producer Martin Scorsese and writer Walon Green on “The Hi-Lo Country,” starring Penelope Cruz, Billy Crudup, Woody Harrelson and Patricia Arquette. All screenings are at the Max Palevsky Theatre at the Aero Theatre at 1328 Montana Ave.

Saturday, Dec. 2:

First film in the double-feature is “The Queen,” beginning at 7:30 p.m. Combining the vicarious rewards of a detailed biopic with the gentler pleasures of an insightful character study, director Stephen Frears puts the monarchy under the microscope in this irreverent comedy-drama.

On the same bill is “Dangerous Liaisons.” Games of seduction, lust, and manipulation spotlight Glenn Close and John Malkovitch’s devilish gambling over innocent Michelle Pfeiffer — games in which even the winner ends up a tragic loser. There will be a discussion in between films with director Frears.

Sunday, Dec. 3:

On Sunday, first in the double feature is “My Beautiful Laundrette.” Through a gallery of fine performances and situations, Frears draws a subtle relationship between a young Pakistani (Saeed Jaffrey) and his fascist punk lover (Daniel Day-Lewis).

On the same bill is “Prick Up Your Ears,” a caustically entertaining biopic of the controversial young British playwright, Joe Orton (a volcanic Gary Oldman), who was murdered in 1967 by his lover and early collaborator, Kenneth Halliwell (Alfred Molina). A harrowing portrait of fatal jealousy and an obsessive love gone bad. With Vanessa Redgrave, Julie Walters. Discussion in between films with Frears.

For more information, call (323) 466-FILM or on the Web at www.americancinematheque.com.



‘Amadeus’ performs at SMC

By Daily Press staff

The Santa Monica College Theatre Arts Department is proud to present “Amadeus,” the Tony Award-winning Broadway play based loosely on the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his relationship to Antonio Salieri, through Dec. 10.

The play, by Peter Shaffer, will be presented Fridays through Sundays. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m., and Sunday performances at 2 p.m. An additional matinee at 2 p.m. will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9.