Movies & Screenings
Friday Night Films in June
Written by Barbara T. on 05/30/2011
Friday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. - HEARTBREAKER (2010) Starring Romain Durisand Vanessa Paradis; Not rated; 105 minutes (In French, with English subtitles)
Alex is a romantic for hire. If your daughter or sister or friend is falling for the wrong man, Alex will get her to fall for him, watch her dump the loser, and then break her heart by walking away. She'll be sad but wiser and lucky to have avoided a bad relationship. It's a highly profitable business with one rule: don't fall in love. When Alex is hired to woo Juliette, he breaks her heart, and his own rule.
Click here to watch the film's trailer.
Friday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. - SKIN (2008) Sophie Okonedo, Sam Neill, and Alice Krige
Despite being born to Afrikaner parents, Sandra faces prejudice from her community due to her dark skin and African features. Torn between her family and the man she loves, Sandra must overcome the racial intolerance of her society in this uplifting true story.
To learn more about the film and to watch the trailer, please click here.
Friday, June 17 at 7:30 p.m. -- TRUE GRIT (2010) Starring Jeff Bridges, Josh Brolin, and Matt Damon; Rated PG-13; 110 minutes
Following the murder of her father by hired hand Tom Chaney, 14-year-old farm girl Mattie Ross sets out to capture the killer. To aid her, she hires the toughest U.S. marshal she can find, Reuben J. "Rooster" Cogburn. Against his wishes, she joins him in his trek into the Indian Nations in search of Chaney. They are joined by Texas Ranger LaBoeuf, who wants Chaney for his own purposes. The unlikely trio find danger and surprises on the journey, and each has his or her "grit" tested.
Click here to watch the trailer for the film.
Friday, June 24 at 2 p.m. -- THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU (2010) Starring Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, and Shohreh Aghdashloo; Rated PG-13; 99 minutes
Ambitious politician David is pursuing Elise – the only woman he has ever loved across, under and through the streets of modern day New York. David learns that he is up against the agents of Fate itself – the men of the Adjustment Bureau – who will do everything in their considerable power to prevent David and Elise from being together. In the face of overwhelming odds, he must either let her go and accept a predetermined path or risk everything to defy Fate and be with her.
To view the film's trailer, please click here.
All films are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
Additional parking for evening and weekend Library programs on Thorndal Circle (behind Nielsen’s).
Special Film Screening - "Much Ado About Nothing"
Written by Barbara T. on 05/20/2011
Tuesday, May 31 at 7 p.m.
(1993) Starring Kenneth Branagh, Michael Keaton, Robert Sean Leonard, Keanu Reeves, Emma Thompson, Denzel Washington, and Kate Beckinsale; Rated PG-13; 111 minutes
Two love stories intermingle, one mischievously funny and the other sweetly poignant, in Shakespeare’s sexy and sparkling comedy. Kenneth Branagh, Michael Keaton, Emma Thompson, and Denzel Washington star in this critically acclaimed hit fraught with mistaken identity and rousingly amusing adventures.
"It is farce and mime and wisecracks, and dastardly melodrama which all comes right in the end, of course, because this is a Comedy. The key to the film's success is in the acting, especially in the sparks that fly between Branagh and Thompson as their characters aim their insults so lovingly that we realize, sooner than they do, how much they would miss their verbal duets." -- Roger Ebert, The Chicago Sun-Times
To watch the film's trailer, please click here.
This special film screening will feature a brief introduction by Emily Bryan, the Managing Director of Shakespeare on the Sound. It coincides with this summer’s production of “Much Ado About Nothing,” which is this year’s Shakespeare on the Sound selection. (The play will be performed at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich, July 5th-10th (except Mondays), following performances at Pinkney Park in Rowayton from June 16th-26th (except Mondays).)
Additional parking for evening and weekend Library programs on Thorndal Circle (behind Nielsen’s).
(For more ado about Much Ado, join us on Wednesday evening for a discussion with Mark Schenker. Click here for more information.)
Friday Films in May
Written by Barbara T. on 05/06/2011
Friday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. -- MAO'S LAST DANCER (2010) Starring Bruce Greenwood, Kyle Maclachlan, Chi Cao, and Joan Chen; Rated PG; 117 minutes
Based on an inspiring true story, this emotionally powerful crowd-pleaser emerged as one of the year's most talked about independent films. It's the fascinating and epic tale of Li Cunxin, a peasant boy from rural China who beats impossible odds to become a world-renowned ballet dancer. Through breathtaking talent and sheer determination, Li makes his way to the United States; but when he falls in love with an American woman, he must risk everything to remain in the land of the free.
Click here to watch the film's trailer.
Friday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. THE WAY BACK (Pictured, far left) (2010) Starring Ed Harris, Colin Farrell, and Saoirse Ronan; Rated PG-13; 133 minutes
Inspired by an incredible true story, THE WAY BACK begins in 1940 when seven prisoners attempt the impossible: escape from a brutal Siberian gulag. Thus begins a treacherous 4,500-mile trek to freedom across the world's most merciless landscapes. They have little food and few supplies. They don't know or trust each other. But together, they must withstand nature at is most extreme. Their humanity is further tested when they meet a teenage runaway who begs to join them on their quest.
Click here to watch the film's trailer.
Friday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. A SMALL ACT (2010) Documentary feature; Not rated; 88 minutes
When Hilde Back sponsored a young, rural Kenyan student, she thought nothing of it. She never imagined her quarterly donation of $15 would pave the way for Chris Mburu's journey to Harvard Law School. Years later, Chris has become a United Nations human rights lawyer working to combat genocide and discrimination. He decides to seek out the stranger who dramatically transformed his life and is astonished to learn his benefactor, Hilde, is a Holocaust survivor.
To watch the film's trailer, please click here.
Friday, May 27 at 7:30 p.m. (PLEASE NOTE SCHEDULE CHANGE*) -- Cairo Time (2010) Starring Patricia Clarkson and Tom McCamus; Rated PG; 89 minutes
An award-winning audience pleaser at the Toronto and Tribeca Film Festivals, Ruba Nadda’s CAIRO TIME is both a love letter to a city and a sweeping romantic drama in the tradition of such films as BRIEF ENCOUNTER and LOST IN TRANSLATION. Oscar®-nominee Patricia Clarkson stars as a beautiful American abroad in Egypt, who finds herself enamored by more than the sun-swept vistas of Cairo.
Juliette (Clarkson), a fashion magazine editor in her 40s, travels to Cairo to meet her husband for a three week vacation. When he is unavoidably delayed, he sends his trusted friend Tareq Alexander Siddig) to keep her company. As he guides her through the sights, sounds and unique customs of the exotic city, unexpected feelings emerge leading to an awakening of emotion that takes Juliette by surprise.
Click here to watch the film's trailer.
*The Green Hornet was originally schedule to be shown on May 27. We apologize for any inconvenience. We do have the DVD available to check out/reserve (click here).
All films are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
Additional parking for evening and weekend Library programs on Thorndal Circle (behind Nielsen’s).
Wednesday Matinees in May
Written by Barbara T. on 05/04/2011
Wednesday May 4 at 2 p.m. – THE KING’S SPEECH(2010) Starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter; Rated R; 118 minutes
Based on the true story of the Queen of England’s father and his remarkable friendship with maverick Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue. Colin Firth plays King George VI who unexpectedly becomes King when his brother Edward abdicates the throne. Logue is the man who helps the King find a voice with which to lead the nation into war.
To watch the trailer and learn more about the film, click here.
Wednesday, May 11 at 2 p.m. -- THE DILEMMA (2011) Starring Kevin James, Vince Vaughn, and Channing Tatum; Rated PG-13; 111minutes
This all-star comedy is about a man who finds out that what you don't say to a friend is just as important as what you do. Since college, confirmed bachelor Ronny and happily married Nick have been through thick and thin. Now partners in an auto design firm, the two pals are vying to land a dream project that would launch their company. But Ronny's world is turned upside down when he inadvertently sees Nick’s wife out with another man and makes it his mission to get answers. His amateur investigation dissolves his world into comic mayhem
For more information and to watch the film's trailer, please click here.
Wednesday, May 18 at 2 p.m. -- BACK WHEN WE WERE GROWNUPS (Pictured at left) (2004) (Starring Blythe Danner, Faye Dunaway, Peter Fonda, Jack Palace, and Peter Riegert; Not rated; 110 minutes
Rebecca Davitch has always rolled with the punches, even those that were particularly hard-hitting. But suddenly, the genial 53-year-old widowed grandmother is having an uncharacteristic mid-life crisis. After all these years, Rebecca can't help but feel that she somehow turned into the wrong person. This is a beguiling film about second chances, the sanctuary of family, and the life choices that make us infinitely wiser than we ever dreamed we were or thought we could be.
Wednesday, May 25 at 2 p.m. -- COUNTRY STRONG (2010) Starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Leighton Meester, Tim McGraw; Rated PG-13; 112 minutes
A drama centered on a rising country-music songwriter who sparks with a fallen star. Together, they mount his ascent and her comeback, which leads to romantic complications involving her husband/manager and a beauty queen-turned-singer.
All films are free and open to the public.
Join us every Wednesday at 2 p.m. for our Wednesday Matinee Film Series.
A Special Film Screening of "A Class Divided"
Written by Barbara T. on 05/03/2011
Welcome to another special Stand Against Racism* film screening.
Wednesday, May 11 at 7 p.m. – A CLASS DIVIDED (1986) Documentary feature; Not rated; 60 minutes
In 1970, an innovative teacher attempted a daring experiment in her elementary school classroom. To evaluate how racial stereotypes affect young children, Jane Elliott divided her class between those with blue eyes and those with brown and gave blue-eyed children preferential treatment. This classic program presents the long-term effects of racial stereotyping in schools and suggests how new approaches can make a positive difference with students and teachers. Discussion to follow film screening.
Co-sponsored by the YWCA Darien/Norwalk.
Click here for a schedule of Darien Library events in support of the Stand Against Racism.
Click here for more information about Stand Against Racism.
*The Stand Against Racism is a movement of the YWCA with the goal of bringing people together from all walks of life -- across the country -- to raise awareness that racism still exists. “Stand Against Racism” Day is Friday, April 29, 2011. The YWCA Darien/Norwalk, along with 60 YWCA’s and approximately 1,500 organizations, will celebrate diversity and raise awareness that racism still exists and should not be tolerated.
Additional parking for evening and weekend Library programs on Thorndal Circle (behind Nielsen’s).
A Friday Matinee? Yes! We're Taking a Stand!
Written by Barbara T. on 04/20/2011
We are pleased to announce a special Stand Against Racism film screening.
Friday, April 29 at 2 p.m. – HAIRSPRAY (2007) Starring John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Allison Janney, Nikki Blonsky, Christopher Walken, and Michelle Pfeiffer; Rated PG; 113 minutes
In this screen version of the Broadway play, Tracy Turnblad is a heavyweight teenager with huge hair who is obsessed with Link Larken on the Corny Collins Show. She sings and dances her way into his heart and onto the show. However, she decides that the segregation of the show is not fair so she and her friends fight to integrate the show.
"What it offers isn't really a nostalgic look at a "more innocent time" so much as a saucy wink at a casually vicious time that is constantly being sold to us as innocent." -- Carina Chocano, The Los Angeles Times
"Movie magic." -- Mick LaSalle, The San Francisco Chronicle
"When Hairspray is twisting and shouting and swiveling its hips, you can even dare to believe a great society is waiting in the wings." -- The Washington Post
To watch a trailer of the film, please click here.
Stand Against Racism Day is Friday, April 29, 2011. The YWCA Darien/Norwalk, along with 60 YWCA’s and approximately 1,500 organizations, will celebrate diversity and raise awareness that racism still exists and should not be tolerated.
This film screening is the first of two special Stand Against Racism film screenings at the Library. On Wednesday, May 11 at 7 p.m., we will be showing A CLASS DIVIDED, followed by a discussion. Click here for more information.
Click here for a schedule of Darien Library events in support of the Stand Against Racism.
Click here for more information about Stand Against Racism.
*The Stand Against Racism is a movement of the YWCA with the goal of bringing people together from all walks of life -- across the country -- to raise awareness that racism still exists. “Stand Against Racism” Day is Friday, April 29, 2011. The YWCA Darien/Norwalk, along with 60 YWCA’s and approximately 1,500 organizations, will celebrate diversity and raise awareness that racism still exists and should not be tolerated.
Wednesday Matinees in April
Written by Barbara T. on 03/25/2011
Wednesday, April 6 at 2 p.m. - LITTLE FOCKERS (2010) Starring Ben Stiller, Robert DeNiro, and Owen Wilson; Rated PG-13; 98 minutes
It has taken 10 years, two little Fockers and countless hurdles for Greg to finally get in with his tightly wound father-in-law, Jack. After the cash-strapped dad takes a job moonlighting for a drug company, Jack's suspicions about his favorite male nurse come roaring back. When Greg and Pam's entire clan descends for the twins' birthday party, he must prove to the skeptical Jack that he's fully capable as the man of the house. But with all the misunderstandings, spying and covert missions, will Greg pass Jack's final test and become the family's next patriarch...or will the circle of trust be broken for good?
To learn more about the film and to watch the trailer, click here.
Wednesday, April 13 at 2 p.m. - BLAST FROM THE PAST(1999) Starring Brendan Fraser, Alicia Silverstone, Christopher Walken, and Sissy Specek; Rated PG-13; 112 minutes
Adam Webber, born and raised in a bomb shelter with his father and mother, is now emerging to a bewildering new world where he meets a modern L.A. woman and falls in love. This is a One Book, One Community special film screening.
To watch the film's trailer, click here.
Wednesday, March 20 at 2 p.m. - SABRINA (1954) Starring Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, and William Holden; Not rated; 113 minutes
Based on the stage play, Audrey Hepburn stars as and received an Academy Award© nomination for her role as Sabrina, an impressionable chauffeur's daughter. Sabrina is mad about David Larabee (William Holden), a notorious playboy, but is whisked away to France by her father only to return a sophisticated lady of fashion. When she returns, David's head is suddenly turned towards her. David's brother Linus (Humphrey Bogart), however, seeks to enhance the family's wealth by marrying him off to an heiress and begins to pursue Sabrina himself to divert her from David's intentions. A charming Cinderella story that garnered six Academy Award© nominations in 1954.
Click here to watch the film's trailer.
Wednesday, April 27 at 2 p.m. - THE SWITCH (2010) Starring Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, and Patrick Wilson; Rated PG-13; 112 minutes
In this offbeat comedy, Kassie, a smart, fun-loving single woman who, despite her neurotic best friend Wally's objections, decides it's time to have a baby-even if it means doing it by herself ... with a little help from a charming sperm donor. But, unbeknownst to her, Kassie's plans go awry because of a last-minute switch that isn't discovered until seven years later when Wally finally gets acquainted with Kassie's cute, though slightly neurotic, son.
To watch the film's trailer, click here.
All films are free and open to the public.
Join us every Wednesday at 2 p.m. for our Wednesday Matinee Film Series.
Friday Night Films in April
Written by Barbara T. on 03/25/2011
April is a movie month to embrace here at the Library. We'll be showing a couple of films selected to coincide with and, yes, embrace our One Book, One Community Program. We'll embrace the beginning of baseball season, and we'll be embracing two embraceable tales from across the pond. Okay, okay...we'll just come right out and say it...the schedule-news you really want to know... we will be showing THE KING'S SPEECH later in the month. We know you're looking forward to it, but let's not be in any great hurry. There will be lots of Friday film fun throughout the month. Let's embrace it.
Friday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. PETE SEEGER: THE POWER OF SONG (2007) Documentary Feature; Rated PG-13; 93 minutes (This is a One Book, One Community Event)
This movie comprehensively outlines the major events in folk singer Pete Seeger's life and career with archive footage, home movies and narration from Seeger himself. From his early days at folk festivals, to the rise and fall of his band The Weavers, to his famous protest songs to his 62 year marriage to his wife Toshi, Seeger always believed that music could be a force for good.
Click here to watch the film's trailer.
Friday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. – MADE IN DAGENHAM (2010) Starring Sally Hawkins, Andrea Riseborough, Jaime Winstone, Lorraine Stanley; Rated R; 113 minutes
In 1968, the female workers at the Ford Dagenham car plant walked out in protest against sexual discrimination. Their actions played a major role in the battle for equal pay, both nationally and internationally.
To learn more about the film and to watch the trailer, please click here.
Friday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. – FLIPPED (2010) Starring Penelope Ann Miller, Aidan Quinn, Rebecca DeMorney; Rated PG; 90 minutes (This is a One Book, One Community Event)
Juli Baker believes in three things: the sanctity of trees, the wholesomeness of the eggs she collects from her backyard flock of chickens and that someday she will kiss Bryce Loski. She has been smitten with Bryce ever since second grade but he thinks she is weird. Then, in eighth grade, Bryce begins to see that Juli's unusual interests and pride in her family are kind of cool. And Juli starts to think that maybe Bryce's brilliant blue eyes are as empty as the rest of him seems to be. A perfect introduction to the adolescent war between the sexes.
To learn more about the film and to watch the trailer, click here.
*Friday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. CONVICTION (2010) Starring Hilary Swank, Sam Rockwell, Melissa Leo, Minnie Driver, Juliette Lewis, and Peter Gallagher; Rated R; 103 minutes
Betty Anne Waters is a young woman whose world is shattered when her beloved brother Kenny is convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. Steadfastly convinced of his innocence, Betty Anne embarks on an 18-year journey to set Kenny free, using state-of-the-art forensic technology. The unshakable bond between a brother and sister at the heart of this real-life drama stirs emotions and inspires.
To visit the film's website and to watch the trailer, please click here.
*Please note, the film originally scheduled, GAME 6, will not be shown. Due to circumstances beyone our control, we needed to alter our Friday Film Series schedule for April. (We apologize for any inconvenience.)
Friday, April 29 – THE KING'S SPEECH (Pictured above)
(2010) Starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter; Rated R; 118 minutes
Based on the true story of the Queen of England’s father and his remarkable friendship with maverick Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue. Colin Firth plays King George VI who unexpectedly becomes King when his brother Edward abdicates the throne. Logue is the man who helps the King find a voice with which to lead the nation into war.
To visit the film's website and watch the trailer, please click here.
All films are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
Additional parking for evening and weekend Library programs on Thorndal Circle (behind Nielsen’s).
"Bag It" at the Library
Written by Barbara T. on 03/01/2011
On Sunday, March 6 at 5:30 p.m., we will present, in an event co-sponsored by Choose to Reuse in Darien, a special screening of the documentary film Bag It.
Choose to Reuse in Darien promotes the use of reusable bags in every aspect of everyday life and seeks to eliminate disposable bags in Darien.
BAG IT – Documentary feature; Not rated; 65 minutes
Jeb Berrier is an average American guy who is admittedly not a “tree hugger.” He makes a pledge to stop using plastic bags. This simple action gets Jeb thinking about all kinds of plastic as he embarks on a global tour to unravel the complexities of our plastic world. When Jeb’s journey takes a personal twist, we see how our crazy-for-plastic world has finally caught up to us and what we can do about it. Today. Right now.
“Bag It” is a film that examines our society’s use and abuse of plastic. The film focuses on plastic as it relates to our society’s throwaway mentality, our culture of convenience, our over consumption of unnecessary, disposable products and packaging – things that we use one time and then, without another thought, throw them away. Where is AWAY?? “Away” is overflowing landfills, clogged rivers, islands 
of trash in our oceans, and even our very own toxic bodies. Jeb travels the globe on a fact-finding mission – not realizing that after his simple resolution, plastic will never look the same again!
To learn more about the film and to watch the trailer, please click here.
A wine and cheese reception will follow the screening.
Additional parking for evening and weekend Library programs on Thorndal Circle (behind Nielsen’s)
March Matinees
Written by Barbara T. on 02/23/2011
Our Wednesday Matinee Series continues in March with some classic films and some performances destined to become classics.
Wednesday, March 2 at 2 p.m. - FREAKONOMICS (2010) Documentary Feature; Rated PG-13; 85 minutes
Some of the world's most innovative documentary filmmakers will explore the hidden side of everything. The directors follow the basic path of the famous book and take on such issues as ethnic and class stereotypes, a Sumo wrestling cheating scandal in Japan, abortion rate vs the crime rate and "incentivizing" students to improve grades.
For more information and to watch the trailer, click here.
Wednesday, March 9 at 2 p.m. - INHERIT THE WIND (1960) Starring Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, and Gene Kelly; Not rated, 117 minutes
INHERIT THE WIND is a fictionalization of the real-life trial of John T. Scopes in the hot summer of 1925. The trial pitted Darwin’s evolutionary theories against the accepted text of religion. The film is a masterpiece of casting with Spencer Tracy as Clarence Darrow and Fredric March as William Jennings Bryan.
To watch the trailer, click here.
Wednesday, March 16 at 2 p.m. - SMALL ISLAND (2010) Starring Naomie Harris, David Oyelowo; Not rated; 180 minutes
SMALL ISLAND explores the lives of two couples, one Jamaican and the other English, whose worlds intertwine in post-World War II Britain, at a turning point in the long relationship between the two countries. It is a story of tender emotion and sparkling wit, of crossings taken and passages lost, of shattering compassion and of reckless optimism in the face of insurmountable barriers.
To read more about the film, click here.
Wednesday, March 23 at 2 p.m. - KING LEAR (2009) Starring Ian McKellen; Not rated; 173 minutes
This telecast marks Sir Ian McKellen's return to the Royal Shakespeare Company that has resulted in a tour-de-force performance as King Lear, who decides to abdicate and divide his kingdom between his three daughters.
Wednesday, March 30 at 2 p.m. - DR. STRANGELOVE or; HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYNG AND LOVE THE BOMB (1964) Starring Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden; Rated PG; 93 minutes
General Jack D. Ripper (Sterling Hayden) plummets into madness and sends a bomber wing to destroy the U.S.S.R. He suspects that communists are trying to rob Americans of their precious body fluids. The U.S. president meets with his advisers, where the Soviet ambassador tells him that if the U.S.S.R. is hit by nuclear weapons, it will trigger a "Doomsday Device" which will destroy the U.S. with buried bombs. (This is a One Book, One Community event.)
Click here to watch the film's trailer.
Please join us every Wednesday at 2 p.m. for our Wednesday Matinee Films.
Admission is free.
Darien Library, 1441 Post Road, Darien, Connecticut, 06820-5419 · 203-655-1234Directions and Contact Information. Twitter: darienlibrary. AIM & Y!M: deweydarien.