[EDITED BY: GRIFFIN SHERIDAN]
Hello and welcome back to an all-new installment of BEAM FROM THE BOOTH brought to you by GRAND RAPIDS FILM SOCIETY!
First, thank you to all who joined us for our intimate screening of Jeanne Dielman, 23, Quai Du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles yesterday. We were so excited to bring the film to Grand Rapids and even more so to provide an opportunity for our community to see the film as it was intended. Chantal Akerman’s masterpiece is a tremendously powerful and, at times, harrowing work that I don’t think any of us will be forgetting anytime soon.
Before we continue, we wanted to take a moment to remind you all that NEXT MONDAY we are hosting a special APRIL FOOLS’ DAY SCREENING of Martin Scorsese’s THE KING OF COMEDY. Join us for this dark comedy from one of the masters of cinema. Tickets available now!
Plus, check out these other events we have planned for you all in APRIL 2024...
APRIL 10th: MARQUEETOWN (GRAND RAPIDS PREMIERE!)
No one fights to preserve a multiplex, but some people will risk everything to save a marquee. Through booms and busts, Delft Theatres Inc. - and its innovative gem, The Nordic - endured in Marquette Michigan for almost 100 years, even as the world changed endlessly around them. Local kid Bernie Rosendahl’s modern crusade to restore the historic arthouse to its former glory leads filmmakers to discover a hidden cinema empire in the Upper Peninsula.
Cast and crew in attendance including Co-Writer & Director Joe Beyer!
APRIL 15th: THE VIRGIN SPRING (FOUR SEASONS OF INGMAR BERGMAN SERIES)
We’re thrilled to present the first film in our ‘SEASONS OF BERGMAN’ series, which will run all the way through to January 2025.
Building on the resounding popular success that Bergman experienced with The Seventh Seal, here he returns to a medieval European setting to adapt a 13th century Swedish folk ballad centering on themes of familial honor, exploited innocence, merciless revenge, and the application of faith when grappling with tragedy. The film is also famous for serving as a template for Wes Craven’s original version of The Last House on the Left (1972). This was Bergman’s first collaboration with cinematographer Sven Nykvist and features some of the most iconic images in their lengthy catalog that followed. The Virgin Spring won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1961 and was also nominated for Best Costume Design (Black and White).
APRIL 30th: MOVIE TRIVIA at CRESTON BREWERY
Calling all movie fans!
You asked for it, so we delivered! We're teaming up with Creston Brewery to host a fun evening of film-related trivia!
Put your team together and join us for some cold beers and trivia. Three winning teams with three fantastic prizes.
*Note - any team higher than 6 people will begin losing 2 points per added person.
*
We cannot wait to see you at these events next month.
You may have noticed that this is our 50th ISSUE of Beam from the Booth. Sheesh.
Truly — thank you to the hundreds (!!!) of people who have subscribed to this newsletter over the past year (and change) that it has existed. I think all of us on the GRFS Board find making the newsletter a fun enough exercise that we would likely do it even if nobody read it, but the fact that we have such a loyal and attentive readership really does fill us with immense joy.
I have a true passion for cinema, and I greatly enjoy sharing in that passion with others. When I heard the rumblings that a project like the Grand Rapids Film Society was maybe going to be coming onto the scene, I jumped at the opportunity to be part of it. The ideals and goals of GRFS were exactly what I felt the community needed. Before I even had the privilege of being a formal part of the GRFS Board, I knew that this newsletter was something I could contribute, something that could be useful in elevating the endeavors of the Film Society — bringing the community together even beyond our screenings and events. I eagerly pitched the idea of a newsletter sometime in November 2022, and by February 2023...we were up and running.
From the jump, I have been very proud of Beam, but every issue since #1 has just continued to raise the bar and blow me away — and that is all thanks to the incredible group of people that serve as the ‘Writers Room’ for this publication. Though my name may be at the top of each issue as “editor” there would certainly be no Beam from the Booth without each and every one of these people.
When it came to figuring out what we should do for our big 50th installment, I knew I wanted to celebrate some of my favorite pieces that we have published, especially since 50 issues makes for a fairly dense archive. I don’t expect folks to go back and read every single issue when they subscribe, so I’ve done some digging and cherrypicked a couple of my favorite pieces by each of the wonderful people who make this newsletter happen every week.
So, without further ado, please enjoy...
BEAM FROM THE BOOTH: THE GREATEST HITS (SO FAR)
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[BY: DAVID BLAKESLEE]
Often times providing forewords and afterwords for our screenings, David has consistently been a wellspring for insights that I am always impressed by. David’s writing never fails to provide a great basis for the internal conversation I’ll have after we host a screening, and it has been a real privilege to be able to pick his brain about cinema and a slew of other topics. Without a doubt the coolest person involved in this whole production, David has written SO MUCH great stuff for us so it was very hard to pick a favorite, but for what it’s worth, check out...
“A DAMN FINE TWIN PEAKS DAY” from ISSUE #4:
“A CINEPHILE SNOB’S REAPPRAISAL OF TITANIC” from ISSUE #11:
[BY: SPENCER EVERHART]
Spencer has been a dear friend for sometime now, and I’ve been so grateful to have him as a collaborator on this publication. Not only did he conjure up the name of the newsletter, but Spencer also proofreads every single issue of Beam from the Booth, making sure that it is up to the standards we all want it to be. Further, Spencer’s help and insight have helped make Beam the newsletter it is today. The peak behind the curtain is that I can often be somewhat scatterbrained, forgetting to send the occasional message to the Beam Writers Room. But Spencer is always on top of it, helping make sure everyone is on the same page and that we stay on schedule during those weeks where I fall short. And, beyond all that, he also contributes some excellent pieces — chief among them are his extensive interviews with the filmmakers featured in our Open Projector Night programs and his exclusively visual column “Echoes.” Here is my favorite one...
“Echoes” from ISSUE #15:
And his piece on NIGHT MOVES in our KELLY REICHARDT SYMPOSIUM from ISSUE #16:
[BY: MATT EVERITT]
Matt is the most recent addition to the GRFS Board, and I’ve been wondering how we got along so long without him. As a filmmaker himself, Matt’s work with GRFS and Beam has helped make sure that the filmmakers in our community are seen. Plus, he is an excellent writer, providing candid looks at process and personal insights into the films GRFS highlights. Even the smallest pieces by Matt carry his personal touch and a level of care that I am so grateful for. I was so happy when we added his voice to the newsletter. Check out...
“5 BOOKS EVERY FILMMAKER SHOULD READ” from ISSUE #27:
“PRODUCTION PARABLES - ON FILM FESTIVAL REJECTION” from ISSUE #34:
[BY: JACKSON EZINGA]
Much like Matt, Jackson’s career as a filmmaker has provided invaluable perspectives on all things GRFS, and that has translated to every piece he has written for Beam. Jackson isn’t featured in Beam nearly enough, but that is certainly not from a lack of trying. Jackson is often very busy working on any number of projects, but when the stars align for him to provide something for the newsletter, it’s always great — often times connecting film to a deeply emotional point in his own life, which I appreciate the hell out of. Check out...
“WORLDWIDE INSIDE JOKES” from ISSUE #6:
“SPECIAL THANKS TO SPECIAL FEATURES” from ISSUE #22:
[BY: NICHOLAS HARTMAN]
Our fearless leader! For those who don’t understand this yet: Nick works his ass off every single week to not only help make everything related to GRFS happen, but also lending his time and talents to the entirety of Wealthy Theatre. Without Nick, there is no GRFS. I cannot thank him enough for everything he does for GRFS and beyond, and for giving me the opportunity to come into a meeting all those months ago and spitball some ideas I was excited about. He is one of the kindest, most generous souls I know. Again, all the work he does for the GR film community prevents him from writing for Beam too often, but when he does it’s usually a personal reflection on a work he is passionate about. This is exemplified in these two pieces...
“THE FRIDAY THE 13TH: PART III FOREWORD” from ISSUE #29:
“THIS WEEK’S TUESDAY MOVIE: DETROIT ROCK CITY” from ISSUE #42:
[BY: ERIK HOWARD]
Erik is one of our newest contributors to the newsletter. After his guest contributions, I knew he would make an excellent addition to the Writers Room. Erik is a total joy to be around, and his excitement for cinema is palpable. I feel a kindred spirit when I see Erik light up about some of his favorite topics, such as Godzilla films. I was thrilled to give him the opportunity to share that energy for the King of the Monsters in this piece...
“GODZILLA MINUS ONE - THEN & NOW” from ISSUE #38:
He also shared some thoughts along side Matt in…
“PRODUCTION PARABLES - ON FILM FESTIVAL REJECTION” from ISSUE #34:
[BY: CALEB FRANCIS JENKINS]
Similarly, Caleb brings a personal brand of passion and infectious smiles to the GRFS, most recently on display during his next-level introduction for Fire Walk with Me at our recent Twin Peaks Day event. It’s always a joy to have a piece by Caleb in my inbox. It doesn’t happen as often as it should as he is busy lending his time to some of your favorite restaurants on Wealthy Street. But these are a couple of my favorites...
“PRODUCTION PARABLES - HONORING AN IDEA” from ISSUE #9:
“A LYNCH/OZ FOREWORD” from ISSUE #23:
[BY: KYLE MACCIOMEI]
Kyle is an invaluable member of the GR film community. Not only has he brought his talents to this newsletter, but you can also find his fingerprints on so very many independent productions in the area in some fashion or another. Kyle’s own love for cinema has been showcased in his ability to help foster that same love in others. Kyle exemplifies the ideals of the Film Society on a regular basis, whether that’s by sharing his extensive weekly breakdowns of what is playing at all of our local theaters in the GRFS Discord, or the weekend-long presentation-filled movie marathons he hosts in our living room (we’re housemates). He absolutely brought the house down with his extensive pieces on Miyazaki and the 2023/24 awards season...
“A FEAST FOR THE EYES — A CULINARY RETROSPECTIVE ON THE WORKS OF HAYAO MIYAZAKI” from ISSUE #38:
THE “ROAD TO THE OSCARS 2024” SERIES, featured in ISSUES #42-44,47, and 48. Start here:
[BY: BREANA MALLOY]
Breana was one of our earliest additions to the GRFS Board and right from the beginning has been an advocate for providing resources for local filmmakers. Breana is responsible for bringing the Film Society Roundtable and Pitch Night events together, which immediately became a staple of GRFS’ offerings after we hosted our first of these free social events back in April 2023. If you are a local filmmaker, know that you have Breana Malloy to thank for advocating for you at each and every one of our meetings. An accomplished and extremely hardworking producer herself, Breana has opened up about several important topics in her writings for Beam. Further, she connected us with the filmmakers behind How to Blow Up a Pipeline last summer, making our GRFS exclusive interview possible, which remains one of the coolest things we’ve ever done in this newsletter. Check out these pieces...
“PRODUCTION PARABLES - BURNOUT: A LESSON IN BALANCE” from ISSUE #5:
“HOW TO BLOW UP A PIPELINE FILMMAKER Q&A (GRFS EXCLUSIVE)” from ISSUE #18:
[BY: LAUREN PATHCETT]
Lauren and I joined the GRFS Board right around the same time. Before we could even have a proper meeting, I met Lauren after one of our earliest screenings, and I could immediately see that she had that same energy — that same want for GRFS to succeed that I felt in myself. Her presence in Beam is more limited than we would all like (once again, she’s very busy serving up the finest wines in Grand Rapids at some of your favorite drinking spots), but I’m very grateful for all the work she has provided. Her pieces, which are filled with her distinctive personal voice, immediately situate you in her own reading of a film, sometimes even pulling other mediums into the mix to provide a unique reading experience and perspective. I still think about these ones often...
“ALTERNATIVE SOUNDTRACKS” from ISSUE #17:
“DE PALMA & ME — HOW COULD BODY DOUBLE BE MADE AFTER DRESSED TO KILL?” from ISSUE #27:
PLUS!
I remain so very proud of these big pieces that involve as many people in the Writers Room as possible. I love when we can pull something like these off, they’re always hands down my favorite issues...
“GRFS SYMPOSIUM: KELLY REICHARDT” from ISSUE #16:
“GRFS’ MEMORABLE THEATER EXPERIENCES” from ISSUE #25:
“GRFS YEAR ONE: A LOOK BACK” from ISSUE #32:
“THE BEST FILMS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN” from ISSUE #39:
“THE BEST FILMS WE WATCHED IN 2023” from ISSUE #40:
***
You may have noticed some repetition in everything I had to say about the team behind Grand Rapids Film Society and Beam from the Booth: everyone involved is both incredibly passionate and hard working. In fact, they are some of the most passionate and hardworking individuals I’ve ever come across, and I consider it a great privilege to be in their company. You don’t often find a group of people, all working full-time, who are so willing to volunteer so much of their free time out of sheer love. We need more of that in this world, and I’m so proud we have been able to foster it here in Grand Rapids.
Let this be a reminder that everything we do, we it all do for YOU: our GR film community...and beyond.
Here’s to 50 excellent issues of Beam from the Booth and so many more to come. We hope you continue to enjoy.
-Griffin
UPCOMING EVENTS
APRIL FOOLS’ DAY SCREENING: THE KING OF COMEDY (Scorsese, 1982)
WHAT: Rupert Pupkin (Robert DeNiro) is a failure in life but a celebrity in his own mind, hosting an imaginary talk show in his mother's basement. When he meets actual talk show host Jerry Langford (Jerry Lewis), he kidnaps him, offering his release in exchange for a guest spot on his show.
WHEN: Monday, April 1st, 8:00pm
WHERE: The Wealthy Theatre
MARQUEETOWN (Beyer & Anderson, 2024) [GRAND RAPIDS PREMIERE!]
WHAT: Portraying the fascinating history of motion pictures through one iconic screen - and featuring dozens of Michigan locations and characters - Marqueetown is a true story of chasing your dreams, redefining failure and success, and re-embracing the enduring magic of cinema.
(Cast and crew in attendance including Co-Writer & Director Joe Beyer!)
WHEN: Wednesday, April 10th, 8:00pm
WHERE: The Wealthy Theatre
THE VIRGIN SPRING (Bergman, 1960)
WHAT: PART OF OUR ‘SEASONS OF BERGMAN’ SERIES. Ingmar Bergman returns to a medieval European setting to adapt a 13th century Swedish folk ballad centering on themes of familial honor, exploited innocence, merciless revenge, and the application of faith when grappling with tragedy.
WHEN: Monday, April 15th, 8:00pm
WHERE: The Wealthy Theatre
MOVIE TRIVIA @ CRESTON BREWERY
WHAT: What else needs to be said? Grab some friends and join us for our first-ever movie trivia social event! *See event page for full details.*
WHEN: Tuesday, April 30th, 6:00pm
WHERE: Creston Brewery
And so we’ve arrived at the end of another BEAM FROM THE BOOTH! We appreciate you taking the time to read it and truly hope you’ll continue to do so. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to get each issue in your inbox every MONDAY (usually), and stay up-to-date on all things GRFS.
Plus, join us on social media! We’d love to chat with everyone and hear YOUR OWN thoughts on everything above (you can also hop in the comments section below).
Know someone you think will dig BEAM FROM THE BOOTH? Send them our way!
Look for ISSUE #51 in your inbox on NEXT MONDAY, 04/01!
Until then, friends...