Dublin’s Light House Cinema has just announced a new season for their September calendar. HACKS is “a season of films focused on the world of journalism in all its forms covering television, print, online and everything in between”, states the cinema in their press release, and we at Tn2 are suitably pumped.
Following recent controversy over journalistic misinformation, ‘Fake News’, and in particular the decline of journalistic ethics as presented in the case of Kevin Myers; HACKS aims to engage audiences in a discussion about the importance of journalism in society. With a programme including Citizen Kane, an Almost Famous karaoke party, and an Anchorman Sex Panther Moustache Party; HACKS is a season concerned with the history of journalism as shown through the medium of cinema.
Tn2’s Top 5 Picks from the Season:
Almost Famous Karaoke Party
2 Sept, 9.30pm
Kicking off HACKS is Cameron Crowe’s iconic Almost Famous. Following the journey of an aspiring rock journalist on the road with an up-and-coming band, Almost Famous is a modern day classic with an Oscar nominated performance from Kate Hudson. An unexpected yet brilliant choice to open the season. The film will be followed by a big screen karaoke party where, hopefully, ‘Tiny Dancer’ will be belted by the entire crowd. Check out the event on Facebook.
The Social Network
15 Sept, 10.30pm | 16 Sept, 3.00pm
There’s a lot to unpack in David Fincher’s seminal 2010 drama. Featuring a breakthrough performance from Andrew Garfield and career high from Jesse Eisenberg, The Social Network features the extraordinarily sharp dialogue that solidified Aaron Sorkin’s career. The film might not seem very concerned with journalism. However, Facebook is fundamental to understanding media and reporting today. The way news spreads in the film, teamed with how private and public spheres play a role in the depositions, The Social Network is an extremely prudent choice for the examination of media in the 21st century. Screenings shall be followed by a ‘Social Networks and their impact on journalism’ panel discussion.
Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas
18 Sept, 8.30pm | 29 Sept, 10.30pm
Terry Gilliam’s 1998 take on Hunter S. Thompson has become a cult hit since its initial lukewarm reception. Thompson is best known for defining the ‘gonzo’ style of journalism, featuring the writer as a protagonist with no attempts to be unbiased or reliable. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is an adaptation that stays admirably true to Thompson’s vision with an underrated performance from Johnny Depp and a fantastically curated soundtrack.
In Cold Blood
23 Sept, 10.30pm
As part of the Light House Book Club, Richard Brooks’ adaption of Truman Capote’s genre defining true crime novel follows two criminals on death row for the cold-blooded murder of an entire family. A chilling case and gripping story, Brooks’ film is essential viewing for all true crime fans.
Zodiac 35mm
30 Sept, 10.30pm | 4 Oct, 8.30pm
Another stellar film from David Fincher featured in the season. A decade has passed since Zodiac was released, yet the film still proves to be as relevant and shocking as ever. David Fincher’s adaptation of Robert Graysmith’s novel on the Zodiac killer is dark and brilliant, with the relationship between the famed killer and the San Francisco Chronicle at the centre of this picture. When a film of this calibre is being shown on the big screen using the traditional 35mm projector, the date should be marked in your diary.
7 October, Party 9.00pm, Film 10.30pm
The film that launched a thousand memes, HACKS proves that journalism need not always be so serious. On October 7, let’s pretend that Anchorman sequel didn’t happen and snuggle close with the original Sex Panther wearing Ron Burgundy as he navigates the world of TV News. Light House have promised 70’s vibes, snazzy suits, and a fine glass of scotch. Bring your best 70s moustache.
HACKS will run from 2 September to 7 October 2017. Tickets for the season are available here.
