The Cinema Museum, London

The Vito Project presents Johnny Guitar

Wed 31 May 2017 @ 19:00 · Events

John Guitar posterReShape and the Cinema Museum present the third season of the VITO Project, a series of free monthly screenings bringing generations of LGBTs together to provide an alternative space to mix, watch films and share ideas.

The VITO Project is delighted to present Johnny Guitar, a 1954 American Western directed by Nicholas Ray starring Joan Crawford, Sterling Hayden, Mercedes McCambridge, and Scott Brady.

‘Never seen a woman who was more of a man. She thinks like one, acts like one, and sometimes makes me feel like I’m not.’ With lines like these, Nicholas Ray’s 1954 classic Wild West gender-bender sets out its stall and upends nearly every convention of the traditional western. Joan Crawford is Vienna, a gun-toting, trouser-wearing casino boss whose loose-living ways infuriate the local league of moral decency. Vienna is trapped between the townsfolk, whipped into a fury by Emma Small (Mercedes McCambridge), a sexually frustrated, self-hating tomboy; and a gang of layabout toughs under the command of wannabe outlaw Dancin’ Kid (Scott Brady).

“This is a movie for all the outsiders, for anyone who’s ever been judged on their appearance, their outlook or the way they choose to live. That it’s also a rip-snorting yarn packed with shootouts, punch-ups, daring escapes and crackling dialogue simply confirms its masterpiece status” – TimeOut.

The screening wil be followed by an open discussion with Robert Chevara, an award-winning freelance theatre and opera director and another guest (tba).

The project is endorsed by BFI Flare: London LGBT film festival, 56 Dean St, QX Magazine, Gay’s the Word, ACT UP London, Gay Mates, a Change of Scene, the Cara Trust, I-Base, UK-CAB, Positively UK, Gaydio, NAZ Project, Frank Byrne & his walkers and Broad Appeal Podcast.

Doors to the cafe/bar will open at 18.00 for a 19.00 screening. Come early to secure a seat as it can get very busy and we do not take bookings. The doors to the Cinema will be shut once capacity is reached.

TICKETS & PRICING

This is a free event but we need your donations on the night to ensure the continuation of the VITO project. All donations go towards covering the costs associated with running the event (film licences, heating and lighting, rental of the premises, printing, promotion etc). Donations are VITO’s only source of funding and we need to raise an average of £5 per person just to cover our costs. So PLEASE DIG DEEP and give us a paper donation if you are able to.

Find out more about the VITO Project on their website.
Johnny Guitar