The film “French Exit” and virtual screenings of National Theatre Live’s production (via puppets) of “War Horse” are featured this week at Nebraska’s Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center. And, continuing to show is “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.”
“French Exit,” which opens April 2, offers proof that even the most caustic characters can be made entertaining and even relatable. The film features Michelle Pfeiffer as Frances Price, a 60-year-old Manhattan socialite who fails in her plan to, “die before the money ran out.”
Her husband Franklin has been dead for 12 years and with his vast inheritance gone, she cashes in the last of her possessions and resolves to live out her twilight days anonymously in a borrowed apartment in Paris. She is accompanied by her directionless son Malcolm (Lucas Hedges) and a cat named Small Frank — who may or may not embody the spirit of Frances’s dead husband.
“French Exit,” which has been rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America, is showing at the Ross through April 15.
Streaming online, “War Horse” was filmed live on National Theatre’s London stage. The production is based on the beloved novel of the same name by Michael Morpurgo. It was adapted for stage by Nick Stafford in association with the award-winning Handspring Puppet Company.
The story begins at the outbreak of World War I as Albert’s beloved horse, Joey, is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France. Though not old enough to enlist, Albert embarks on a treacherous mission to find Joey and bring him back home.
The production — which features life-sized puppets of horses and other animals — has been seen by more than 8 million people around the world. “War Horse” is not rated, but recommended for ages 10 and older.
Learn more how to access “War Horse.”
In “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown,” Pepa Marcos’ (Carmen Maura) lover Ivan (Fernando Guillén) suddenly leaves her without any explanation and she embarks on a strange journey to discover why. On the way she meets a variety of eccentric characters, including Ivan’s son from a previous relationship (Antonio Banderas), his fiancee Marissa (Rossy de Palma) and a Shiite terrorist cell who have been secretly holding her best friend Candela (María Barranco) hostage. It’s a film noir take on the romantic comedy.
“Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown” is showing at the Ross through April 8.
Show times are available on the Ross website or by calling 402-472-5353.
