The American Cinematheque at the Aero Theatre presents “Paul Verhoeven - Films of Flesh and Blood,” running Mar. 2 — 4. This series offers a look at some of Verhoeven’s early work in the Netherlands, including the Oscar-nominated “Turkish Delight” (1973), the first of his five film collaborations with actor Rutger Hauer (‘Blade Runner’), as well as later American films. In the last decade, Verhoeven made only two pictures - “Starship Troopers” and “The Hollow Man,” before going back to his native Netherlands to work on his next project about the WWII Dutch Resistance.
The Friday program, starting at 7:30 p.m., features “The Fourth Man” (1983) and “Turkish Delight” (1973). In “The Fourth Man,” Jeroen Krabbe (”Soldier of Orange”) plays Reve, a drunken and bisexual Catholic novelist experiencing intense hallucinations. While lecturing in Holland, he finds himself spending the night with beautiful hairdresser, Christine (Renée Soutendijk), even though his visions are warning him of danger. As he begins to desire Christine’s boyfriend, he discovers her secrets, and his madness intensifies. The movie won the Los Angeles Film Critics Award for Best Foreign Film.
The Saturday program features “Robocop” (1987) and “Flesh + Blood” (1985). “Flesh + Blood,” set in 1501, stars Rutger Hauer as the leader of a band of mercenaries, who seek revenge for a nobleman’s betrayal by kidnapping and brutalizing his son’s bride-to-be. Jennifer Jason Leigh plays Agnes. Although Verhoeven later denied any connection, some critics at the time of release pointed out allegorical similarities to Patty Hearst’s abduction by the SLA.
All screenings are at the Max Palevsky Theatre at the Aero Theatre, located at 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica. Tickets are available through www.fandango.com. All guests are subject to availability. General Admission is $10, $7 for Cinematheque members, and $9 for seniors (over 65-years-old) and students with valid ID card. 24- Hour information is available through (323) 466-FILM.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 2, 2007. Read the original PDF.