Beyond the Valley of the Dolls and Head: Double Feature!

The first is a semi-sequel (i.e. not related in any way, except thematically) to the camp classic Valley of the Dolls. A schizophrenic, Requiem For A Dream-paced rumination on 60′s excess, the film is directed by sexploitation auteur Russ Meyer and written by a young, nerdy goofball who would later evolve into a Pulitzer-winning journalist: Roger Ebert. There’s nothing else like it in the world of film. Only in 1970 could a major studio have placed the sequel to one of their biggest hits in the hands of a lunatic nudie-filmmaker. The already mind-blowing experience of watching Beyond the Valley of the Dolls is greatly enhanced by sitting in an audience full of flabbergasted film fans– I can’t think of a time when I’ve had more fun in a movie theater.

Head is a far more mellow experience than the speed-trip explosion of Beyond the Valley– but no less insane. Directed by Bob Rafelson (Five Easy Pieces) and co-written by Jack Nicholson, the film is a self-conscious effort to destroy The Monkees‘ squeaky-clean image, using a seemingly huge budget to take the audience on a trip through a series of unexplained psychedelic vignettes, elaborate set pieces and off-color gags. Annette Funicello, Dennis Hopper, Toni Basil and Frank Zappa are just a few of the random personalities you’ll find wandering through Head‘s beautiful, lurid landscape.

Don’t miss it! This Friday, December 14th and Saturday, December 15th at The New Beverly.