A documentary exploring rarely seen underground spaces and a drama starring two Hollywood powerhouses open Aug. 28 at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center.
Oscar nominee Sandra Hüller narrates the cinematic adaptation of Robert Macfarlane’s bestselling book “Underland.” The documentary voyages into places rarely glimpsed by human eyes to explore the world beneath our feet — one not of fear and darkness, but rather of knowledge and wonder that can be found nowhere else.
Beginning in the shallow soils beneath an old ash tree, viewers travel alongside several “astronauts of the underworld” into ancient sacred caves, flooded storm drains, melting glaciers, underwater burial chambers and a deep underground laboratory built to solve the mysteries of the universe. “Underland” dives deep into the Earth to present a groundbreaking vision for rethinking our lives on this fragile surface.
The film, which is not rated, runs through Sept. 3.
In “Late Fame,” Willem Dafoe lends his delicate gravitas to the role of Ed Saxberger, a forgotten New York poet who works in a post office. After an eager and flattering young admirer (Edmund Donovan) appears on his doorstep, Saxberger is beckoned into a coterie of 20-something admirers who anoint him as a rediscovered genius.
Intoxicated by the attention — and by the alluring presence of Gloria, the group’s “tragic heroine” (played by Greta Lee) — Saxberger gradually reckons with the authenticity of his newfound poetic circle. This thoughtful, witty second feature from Kent Jones (“Diane”), working from a sly and entertaining script by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Samy Burch (“May December”), is a wistful yet unromantic look at a lost idea of downtown New York.
“Late Fame,” which is not rated, also runs through Sept. 3.
For more information on films, including showtimes and ticket availability, visit the Ross’ website.
