Some movies operate fully on their own terms. Films like The Room, Holy Mountain, or Hausu, all examples of singular experiences, are fascinating combinations of their respective periods, cast and crew, presenting a vision unlike any other. Tonight, to open our season in style, we screen a film that in my opinion does not get talked about enough in these conversations: the incomparable, incomprehensible and unpredictable Xanadu (1980). Starring Olivia Newton-John as Greek goddess Kira, Gene Kelly (in his final film role) as a former big-band clarinet player and Michael Beck as a struggling self-employed artist. The latter two attempt to open a club together, however, since this plan was formed the minute they met and the two men effectively do not know each other, they struggle to agree on a direction for the club. 

Xanadu is a truly ridiculous film, one in the “they-don’t-make-them-like-that-anymore” category. At times the dialogue is an absolute drag, just vague ramblings of a clarinet player recalling his former life. Then, immediately after such a rambling, the film steers into overdrive with song and dance, making it nearly impossible to keep up. This would probably have something to do with the massive amount of on-set cocaine use, as Douglas Carter Beane, author of the book for the musical based on the film, said: “When you watch Xanadu, you can see the cocaine up on the screen”. Also, Zeus makes a small appearance. Enough said on Xanadu, this is one that someone has to experience for themselves. A feverish cult screening to start the new season, come experience this work of art with us as we return to our weekly screenings. -Ruben

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