The Vernon Film Society is pleased to be starting its 30th season with films being shown at the Towne Cinema downtown.
We can look forward to some memorable shows from Europe and North America all fall. Regular showings will be every other week, with a fall film festival Nov. 4 to 7.
The first film of the season Monday will be Mud, an American film directed by Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter) and starring Matthew McConaughey in one of his strongest roles to date.
The film is a coming-of -age story with themes similar to Huckleberry Finn and Great Expectations in which young men are involved with complex older characters who influence their outlook on life and adolescence in many ways.
The two boys in the movie, Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland), are exploring along the Mississippi when they stumble upon a boat stranded in a tree on a small island. Its inhabitant, Mud (McConaughey), claims to be on the run from Texas bounty hunters after killing a man. He is attempting to reunite with his true love, Juniper (Reese Witherspoon), and the boys agree to help him, not realizing this could be dangerous.
There are great contrasts with the wildness of the river, the local town and the families of the two boys who are all going through difficulties.
This is a true coming-of-age story with memorable images and is steeped in the sense of place of the Deep South.
As one Los Angeles Times critic stated: “(This is) one of the most rewarding movies to come along this year.”
There is some coarse language and violence.
Mud shows at the Vernon Towne Cinema Monday at 5:15 and 7:45 p.m. All seats are $7, with tickets on sale one week prior at the theatre and the Bean Scene coffee house.
