The Texas pulp fiction film “Cold In July” opens May 30 at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center.
Directed by Jim Mickle, the film stars Michael C. Hall, Sam Shepard and Don Johnson as an unlikely vigilante trio.
After accidentally killing an unarmed intruder, Richard Dane (Hall) must contend with the man’s angry father, Ben Russell (Shepard). However, Dane begins to suspect that cop Ray Price may be hiding information from him that would indicate that he was involved in something much more complicated.
Twists and turns continue to pile up as the film reaches an inevitable conclusion — a gore-soaked dead end.
Also continuing for a second week at the Ross is “Belle,” a film inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate mixed-race daughter of Admiral Sir John Lindsay of the British navy.
Belle is raised by her aristocratic great uncle Lord Mansfield and his wife. Her lineage affords certain privileges, yet her status prevents her from the traditions of noble social standing.
While her cousin Elizabeth chases suitors for marriage, Belle is left wondering if she will ever find love. After meeting an idealistic young vicar’s son bent on changing society, he and Belle help shape Lord Mansfield’s role in ending slavery in England.
Directed by Amma Asante, “Belle” is rated PG for thematic elements, language and smoking.
Both “Belle” and “Cold in July” play through June 5.
For more information on films at the Ross, go to http://www.theross.org or call 402-472-5353.