Part of What a Way to Make a Living: Women in ’80s Hollywood
Saturday, May 22, 2021, 4:00 p.m.
Museum of the Moving Image – Redstone Theater

With introduction by author Michael Koresky

Dir. Steve Kloves. USA, 1989, 114 mins. 35mm. With Michelle Pfeiffer, Jeff Bridges, Beau Bridges. In one of the most charismatic star performances in all contemporary cinema, a sultry and snappy Pfeiffer steals the screen as Susie Diamond, a small-time lounge singer hired by the piano-playing Jack and Frank Baker (real-life Bridges brothers Jeff and Beau) to inject some pizzazz into their act. Her talent, appeal, and burgeoning romance with loner Jack leads to conflict between the bickering brothers and threatens to upend their bond. The Oscar-nominated cinematography by Michael Ballhaus and score by Dave Grusin contribute to the masterfully maintained mood of slightly scuzzy glamour, but it’s all about the chemistry: between Pfeiffer and Bridges, as well as the Bridges boys. It’s the kind of finely etched, small-scale gem Hollywood truly doesn’t make anymore. This screening will be introduced by Michael Koresky, author of Films of Endearment, which served as the inspiration for this series. Koresky is MoMI’s Editorial Director and co-editor of Reverse Shot.

Tickets: $15 / $11 seniors & students / $9 youth (ages 3–17) / $7 MoMI members. Order online. After your purchase (limit 4 tickets per order), an electronic ticket will be sent via email to facilitate contactless check-in; seating will be assigned upon arrival on a first-come, first-seated basis. Learn more here.