A fresh adaptation of a literary classic and a crime documentary set in the Magic Kingdom open July 10 at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center.
"The Stranger" follows Meursault (Benjamin Voisin), an office clerk in Algiers during the French colonial occupation. A modest man who keeps to himself, Meursault finds his routine upended by the sudden death of his mother. At her funeral, he faces scrutiny from all corners for his failure to perform his grief. This reputation for otherworldly detachment follows Meursault back to Algiers, where his tentative romance with Marie (Rebecca Marder) and his indifference to professional advancement frustrate those around him.
As Meursault gets swept up in a cycle of escalating reprisals among his neighbors, tensions come to a head when he murders an Arab man on the beach. A Frenchman may offer many defenses for shooting an Arab in 1940s Algeria, but Meursault’s refusal of excuse or remorse shakes colonial society to its core.
Photographed in black-and-white, François Ozon’s new take on Albert Camus’ classic novel of existentialist ennui is a landmark of adaptation, simultaneously faithful to the text and dedicated to discovering fresh perspectives in the margins.
"The Stranger," which is not rated, runs through July 23.
"Stolen Kingdom" delves into the history of mischief, scandal and theft at Walt Disney World, ultimately leading to the theft of an animatronic valued at nearly half a million dollars.
The film features key figures from the park’s underground exploration community, each sharing their unique stories. As the narrative unfolds, early pranks and antics are shown to have inspired more recent crimes, culminating in a true crime mystery. What begins as a tale of friendship and passion ends with one lingering question: Who stole Buzzy?
"Stolen Kingdom," which is not rated, runs through July 16.
For more information on films, including showtimes and ticket availability, visit the Ross' website.
