Halloween in Hollywood is a magical time. It’s a holiday that celebrates so many of the things we love about entertainment: mystery, storytelling, and, of course, elaborate costumes and makeup. This week, explore a classic creepy film or, for the modernists, an HBO psychological thriller. Make sure to budget time to work on your own trick-or-treat strategy… and to sleep off the inevitable sugar crash.
Dig deep into the mysterious world of “Sharp Objects.”
One of HBO’s latest breakout hits, “Sharp Objects,” immediately captured viewers’ attention with its psychological rollercoaster-ride of a plot. With a superb cast led by a booze-soaked Amy Adams, the true-crime-tinged tale, based on the novel by Gillan Flynn, features skilled performances from Patricia Clarkson, Chris Messina, and more. Join Adams, Messina, Clarkson, and Eliza Scanlen for a screening and Q&A at SAG-AFTRA Foundation on Oct. 25. If you’re a fan of the series, fingers crossed some of your burning questions will be answered along with gaining some insight behind the scenes. (Free for union members)
Learn how typography plays a starring role in every film.
Typography isn’t just a deeply satisfying addition to a film (when it’s done well), it’s also the first connection viewers make with a movie. On Oct. 26, Type Directors Club presents “Movie Night in L.A.: A Night Highlighting Typography in the Film Industry,” a panel featuring three award-winning movie poster and main title designers: Lisa Bolan (“Beauty & the Beast,” “Sleepy Hollow”), Manija Emran (“The Help,” “Snow White and the Huntsman”), and Tomasz Opasinski (lead of Netflix creative). After exploring the important role of typography, you might never see some of the most iconic films in history the same again. ($5–25)
Mingle with the entertainment community and pros alike.
Hollywood has no shortage of networking events, but every once in a while, one comes along that not only promises connections but also speakers and opportunities to expand your knowledge of your craft and the industry at large. For two consecutive days beginning Oct. 25, the Film Empire presents an entertainment panel and mixer at 33 Taps. On the roster are actors Jordane Christie (“The Haunting of Hill House”), Danielle Vega (“East Los High”), Kade Wise (“Empire), plus agents, managers, and our very own casting associate Christina Kleppinger. Night two brings the horror in a big way, including discussions around writing and directing horror, so don’t miss out on either evening! ($25–70)
Scare yourself with a legendary master of horror.
It’s Halloween week, so what would a list of must-dos for actors be without a flick to spook you? Vincent Price is one of the most well-known actors to come out of the classic horror genre, and 1953’s “House of Wax” marked a major career reinvigoration for this King of Creep. Head over to the Alex Theatre in Glendale for a screening on Oct. 28 (the 25th anniversary of Price’s death!) https://www.alextheatre.org/event/alex-film-society-presents-house-of-wax-featuring-a-tribute-to-vincent-price, along with a tribute from author, historian, and Price’s longtime friend David Del Valle, a pre-recorded video from Price’s daughter, Victoria Price, and selections from the Vincent Price Art Museum. ($17)
See the Jack Nicholson–produced Monkees cult classic “Head.”
This time of year, Jack Nicholson usually pops up in reference to “The Shining,” but before he starred in the Stephen King thriller, he wrote and served as producer on “Head,” a musical cult classic starring the Monkees. (Yes, the ’60s made-for-TV pop group.) The 1968 film celebrates its 50th anniversary this year with a screening at the Egyptian Theatre on Nov. 1, followed by a Q&A with Monkees members Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith. We’re giving you a special “heads up”—sorry—because it’s sure to be a popular event, and a viewing of this cinematic acid trip should be compulsory. ($15)
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