SMITHEREENS

Known as the first American film to compete for the coveted Palme d’Or at the 1982 Cannes Film Festival, Susan Seidelman’s Smithereens is an inimitable and uncompromising look at a raw and unfiltered New York City. Strewn trash, smudged bottles of alcohol, cold nights: the palette of an unflinchingly independent film. Seidelman’s punk rock opus, seen here on a brand new 35mm print, showcased the textured talents of Susan Berman and rock icon Richard Hell. The film’s perceptive narrative predates Instagram culture, with its protagonist, Wren (Berman), creating a narcissistic guerrilla marketing scheme that feels all too prescient. With its quiet moments of sharp naivete and striking soundtrack by The Feelies, Smithereens is a film that is still relevant today.
TRAILER
Directed by: Susan Seidelman / 1982 / US / 89 min OV