It's the age-old debate: What's better, the original, classic story, or a bells-and-whistles remake? Old-school or new-school? The Denver Film Society has joined the debate with its Old School + New School film series, which features two films, separated by decades, screened in a single night and discussed afterward by viewers. In between the film, a fine dinner of pizza and soda is served to keep all amateur critics sated.
At 6 p.m. on Friday, June 13, catch one of Alfred Hitchcock's best thrillers, Rear Window. Released in 1954, the film follows L.B. Jeffries (James Stewart) through a summertime of boredom; a professional photographer, Jeffries has broken his leg and is confined to a wheelchair. He alleviates his ennui by spying on his neighbors — particularly the salesman across the street, who's constantly fighting with his wife. Until, that is, his wife disappears.
Next, compare Hitchcock's mastery of the tale with 2007's Disturbia. Kale Brecht (Shia LaBeouf) is a troubled teen placed under house arrest; when his mother cancels his iTunes subscription and removes his Xbox, he begins spying on the neighborhood. And one of his neighbor's cars looks suspiciously like the vehicle described as belonging to a serial killer.
Old School + New School costs $12 to $15; for details, visit www.denverfilm.org or call 303-595-3456.
