Kent MOMI is pleased to announce a new eight-week programme of screenings at the museum. The screenings, collectively entitled CINEMA OF DESIRE will run every Friday evening from 16th August to 4th October. See below for the intoxicating details!
WEEK TWO Friday 23rd August
The Son of the Sheik
Introduced by Joss. Running time: 68 minutes
Rudolph Valentino died, from a ruptured ulcer, in 1926, mourners lined the streets of New York, weeping, in an uncanny presaging of the funeral of Princess Diana, in 1997.
What they mourned was the erotic promise and romantic possibility he opened up, on screen, for women and men, straight and queer, worldwide, through the uninhibited and fantasy-enabling medium of the silent film. He had broken open the closed codes of gender and desire that still constricted the “roaring” twenties. He was dangerous.
As classically beautiful as Garbo, an unlikely combination of gigolo and master, popular fetish and screen artist, Valentino danced the tango into fame as the Argentinian playboy, Julio, who is chastened by love in Rex Ingram’s smash hit The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1924). His subsequent roles both showcased his masculine beauty – a rare and strange occurrence in 1920s America – and the price he would pay for his type of fame … which was death.
We introduce the outrageous and highly enjoyable romp, Son of the Sheik (1926), with a short original presentation (with clips and images) of Valentino’s career, image and meanings for the century after his death. In this, there is a surprise appearance by F. Scott Fitzgerald, literary architect of the “American Dream”. (Running time: 68 minutes film + 20 minutes introduction) JM
To reserve places, please hit the button, below, or email info@kentmomi.org
First come, first served with a limited capacity of 30 places.
Doors open 5.30, for drinks, nibbles & classic cocktails by Dr. Natasha.
Films commence 6.30pm sharp.
Screenings are FREE to Kent MOMI yearly ticket holders, but a £5 donation is suggested, to help us keep the lights on. Museum tickets can be bought at the door, and are valid for a year.