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Quirky art-house films

Revisit the moon landings; the story behind Joy Division’s Ian Curtis
/ Source: msnbc.com

Art-house films. It sounds so stuffy. So unapproachable. But really, these films are about empowering the little guy (even if that little guy has studio financing). Don’t be surprised if “In the Shadow of the Moon” does for astronauts what “March of the Penguins” did for the waddling birds.

“In the Shadow of the Moon”
Starring:
Jim Lovell, Dave Scott, John Young, Gene Cernan, Mike Collins, Buzz Aldrin, Alan Bean, Edgar Mitchell, Charlie Duke, Harrison SchmittDirector: David SingtonStory: This documentary brings together astronauts from the nine trips to the moon that took place from 1968 to 1972. New first-person interviews are interwoven with archival footage (some never before seen). Buzz: Variety’s Todd McCarthy wrote, “Deftly mixing a treasure trove of archival footage with engaging commentaries of surviving astronauts from all nine Apollo moonshots, this British production will bring it all back for those with first-hand memories of the time, while providing a stimulating primer for younger generations.” This looks like one of those documentaries that may spark a chord with audiences (a la “March of the Penguins”). Web site: NARelease date: Sept. 7

“Wristcutters: A Love Story”

Starring: Patrick Fugit, Shannyn Sossamon, Shea Whigham, Tom Waits, John Hawkes, Will Arnett, Leslie BibbDirector: Goran DukicStory: Zia (Fugit) slashes his wrists and enters a strange afterlife in this dark comedy. There he encounters angels and suicide bombers. He also meets a fellow suicide who’s also a Russian musician (Whigham) and a stranger (Sossamon) hitchhiking through the afterlife.Buzz: Film Threat’s Eric Campos described the film this way: “Imagine a blend of ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ ‘Beetlejuice’ and ‘Roadside Prophets.’” He added, “This movie has a whole lotta goofy and that’s gonna be quite a bit for some audiences, but other people will find a delightfully strange road trip.” Since making a splash in “Almost Famous,” Fugit has primarily stuck to supporting roles films like “Saved!” and “White Oleander.” Web site: http://www.wristcutters.com/ Release date: Oct. 19