Enzian adds Uncomfortable Brunch, mixing food, films
Is this a recipe for indigestion? Starting in September, Enzian Theater will offer Uncomfortable Brunch, a meal with an important art film that can be disturbing.
First up: “Funny Games,” screening at noon Sunday, Sept. 8. Michael Haneke’s 1997 violent crime drama depicts the ordeal of a family taken hostage in their vacation home by two young men. The invaders address the camera, and Enzian described the film as “a spectacle of unbearable cruelty.” The Austrian film is in German with English subtitles. (The director made an English-language version in 2007 with Naomi Watts and Tim Roth.)
Uncomfortable Brunch will feature six films in all, and Enzian announced two other titles.
“In the Realm of the Senses” will screen at noon Sunday, Nov. 3. The 1976 film, rated NC-17 for explicit sexual content, depicts a destructive love story based on a true incident. Enzian bills it as “one of the most controversial films of all time.” Nagisa Oshima directed the work, which is in Japanese with English subtitles.
“Dancer in the Dark” from director Lars von Trier will play at noon Sunday, Jan. 5. The 2000 film explores a Czech immigrant’s tragic story in rural America but mixes in production numbers in the style of classic musicals. At the Cannes Film Festival, the film won the Palme d’Or, and singer Bjork took the best actress award. The cast includes stars Catherine Deneuve, David Morse and Joel Grey. Bjork was an Oscar nominee for the song “I’ve Seen It All,” and she wore that unforgettable swan dress to the Oscars in 2001.
“Uncomfortable Brunch started as a bad joke with friends,” said Josh Martin, founder of the program. “I never would have thought that a little idea to show challenging art films over waffles and mimosas with seven people in my living room would take on a life of its own. We were able to grow Uncomfortable Brunch at Will’s Pub into a 5-plus-year running film series. This leap of bringing the series to Enzian is just the next logical step for us. We are excited to bring these films that are rarely seen in theaters anymore to a wider audience.”
Series co-programmer Kat Whitacre added: “I am unbelievably excited about this opportunity to partner with Enzian, to expose the Orlando masses to films they might not otherwise seek out. I can’t wait to watch this series grow and evolve in its new home.”
Tim Anderson, Enzian programming coordinator, recalled attending one of the first Uncomfortable Brunch events in Martin’s living room. “From that very second I dreamed of seeing this series on our big screen,” Anderson said. “These films are important works of art representing filmmakers that strive to push buttons, provoke thought and spark debate.”
Tickets will cost $9. Enzian is at 1300 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland. Details are at enzian.org.
“All Is True” and “Echo in the Canyon” are in their final week at Enzian.
“Drop Dead Gorgeous,” a 1999 comedythriller about beauty pageants, will screen at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Cult Classics series. Kirsten Dunst, Ellen Barkin, Kirstie Alley and Denise Richards star.
“The Cure — Anniversary 1978-2018” presents the band in a 2018 performance in London’s Hyde Park. The special event will screen at 9:15 p.m. Thursday and again at 11:45 p.m. Saturday, July 13, because of popular demand.