Last Updated on February 8, 2023, 10:36 AM | Published: February 8, 2023
OKLAHOMA CITY — After December’s holiday hoopla, January’s collection of stone-cold classics, and the most buzzed-about Oscar picks starting to burn up the box office ahead of the big awards night, it’s a great time to take a look around OKC’s theaters and check out some of the less hyped films on screen.
February’s slate across the city features a load of great movies that perhaps aren’t quite as flashy or insistent as the expected Hollywood fare, including some decidedly dark horse Oscar contenders, a fearless foreign filmmaker, and an often ignored gem from a modern master.
‘Women Talking’ – Rodeo Cinema Stockyards – February 8th & 9th
It’s difficult to think of a movie as being under-hyped or ignored when it’s nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, but “Women Talking” seems to be the darkest of dark horses in the race and hasn’t factored into many conversations of Academy gold.
Boasting a staggering cast of some of the best actresses working today, such as Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, and the towering talent of Frances McDormand, “Women Talking” concerns the tragically true story of sexual abuse inside the Mennonite community and the unprecedented consequences of speaking up.
Directed by Sarah Polley – herself also a brilliant actress in films like “Go” and “My Life Without Me” – this one is not for the faint of heart or mind. But it assuredly tells a story that people should know, and it has the bravery to tackle some of the most challenging issues still in our world today.
For showtimes, tickets, and more information, visit rodeocinema.org.
‘No Bears’ – Oklahoma City Museum of Art – February 10th through 12th
Since the opening of the remarkable “Kiaroistami: Beyond the Frame,” exploring the life and work of Iranian movie master Abbas Kiarostami, OKCMOA has been widening their focus to include a deeper look at the art and beauty coming from Iran.
With “No Bears,” living legend Jafar Panahi continues to explore boundaries both physical – such as the complex politics between his native Iran and neighboring Turkey – and metaphysical – such as the lines between real and staged, documentary and fiction.
As all conversation and discourse around film right now seems centered on the Oscars, it’s actually notable that “No Bears” didn’t receive any nominations, despite taking awards at a number of festivals and smaller ceremonies.
It could be that the political climate around Iran is currently too much controversy for the Academy to bear. Or it could be that Panahi’s work is simply too unique, too forward-thinking, and too unabashedly artistic to connect with traditionalist Oscar voters.
Regardless, it’s a rare treat in OKC to experience the sheer creative beauty that has come from the Iranian art and film world, and OKCMOA is doing a service for our city by highlighting it right now.
For showtimes, tickets, and more information, visit okcmoa.com.
‘Jackie Brown’ – Rodeo Cinema Stockyards – February 15th
How can a film by one of the most ubiquitous and acclaimed filmmakers in American history ever be considered “under the radar?”
Good question.
And yet, Quentin Tarantino’s often overlooked third film remains something of an outlier in his filmography.
Released in the aftermath of “Pulp Fiction,” when Tarantino had the film world in his hands and could do seemingly no wrong, “Jackie Brown” didn’t capitalize on the wanton violence, slick aesthetics, frenetic, freewheeling editing, or self-aware “coolness” that critics had deemed the “Tarantino style.”
Instead, it entered theaters as a shockingly mature, quieter film, a beautifully enduring rumination on age in a violent, risky, and altogether real world, anchored by one of the great leading performances of its time with the incomparable Pam Grier bringing true gravity and nuance to the title role.
Though some critics still consider “Jackie Brown” to be the peak of Tarantino’s catalog, it has a tendency to get forgotten beneath his louder, wilder, more showy films.
If you’re one of the people that forgets about it, or if you just want to experience the earnest beauty of Jackie’s story and her last best chance for the score of a lifetime on the big screen, here’s your shot.
For showtimes, tickets, and more information, visit rodeocinema.org.
‘Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris’ – Oklahoma City Museum of Art – February 26th
Unless you’re crazy for the art of costume design, you probably haven’t heard of this one or its Oscar buzz.
This story of an English widow in the 50s and her growing obsession with the French fashions of the day is something of a cinematic seamstress’ dream, and costume designer Jenny Beavan has already seen her work rewarded with a nomination.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the buzz and banter around the major categories, but it can be enlightening to jump into some of the films further down the list of technical awards and appreciate some of the genuine craft that goes into filmmaking at all levels.
For showtimes, tickets, and more information, visit okcmoa.com.
Brett Fieldcamp has been covering arts, entertainment, news, housing, and culture in Oklahoma for nearly 15 years, writing for several local and state publications. He’s also a musician and songwriter and holds a certification as Specialist of Spirits from The Society of Wine Educators.
