Some thoughts on movies screening in the final weekend of the Seattle International Film Festival.
“The General.” An archival screening of the great 1926 silent comedy from Buster Keaton, the deadpan genius whose only true peer was Charlie Chaplin. This one’s a Civil War yarn featuring some amazing physical stunts and sight gags. The film has been digitally restored and will play with a newly-composed symphonic soundtrack (not a live score). June 11, 11 a.m., Egyptian.
“Captain Fantastic.” Viggo Mortensen does his best — and that’s quite a lot — to supply a solid center for this post-hippie fantasy about an off-the-grid family forced to re-engage with the world. Various woodsy Washington locations provide the setting for a crowd-pleasing fable. June 12, 2:30 p.m., Uptown (also screens as part of an extended interview/tribute featuring special guest Mortensen, June 11 at 1:30 p.m., Egyptian).
“Up for Love.” The Oscar-winning star of “The Artist,” Jean Dujardin, undergoes a digital makeover as a romance-minded fellow who stands 4-foot, 6-inches tall. Dujardin’s a great physical actor, even when the movie opts for pathos over comedy. June 10, 8:30 p.m., Kirkland Performance Center; June 11, 6:30 p.m., Egyptian; June 12, noon, Uptown.
“Southside with You.” A first date between two Chicagoans, done in talky style — but the twist is that the people are named Barack Obama and Michelle Robinson, current residents of the White House. The film is smart, but how would it play if we didn’t know what destiny had in store for these folks? But we do know, and that makes all the difference. Director Richard Tanne will attend. June 11, 7 p.m., Uptown; June 12, 7 p.m., Egyptian.
“News from Planet Mars.” The wicked mind of director Dominik Moll (“Lemming”) is loose in this tale of a divorced father whose careful existence begins to implode. The movie’s got some great moments of everyday weirdness, although it doesn’t take flight as Moll’s previous films did. June 11, 9:30 p.m., Pacific Place; June 12, 8:30 p.m., Kirkland Performance Center.
“Last Cab to Darwin.” Veteran Australian actor Michael Caton brings just enough ornery attitude to this tale of a dying man road-tripping across the outback in order to participate in a death-with-dignity program. A genial mood prevails, as the Aussies know how to make road movies. June 12, 7:30 p.m., Uptown.
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