NICHOLAS MEYER IN PERSON!
Nicholas Meyer
In October, the Cinematheque proudly welcomes the highly accomplished screenwriter and director Nicholas Meyer, who will be with us in-person to answer questions following three screenings of his movies. Widely celebrated for directing what most fans consider the best Star Trek movie, Star Trek II The Wrath of Khan, Meyer will first join us on October 7 as we present his controversial, widely-viewed, and highly impactful 1983 television film, The Day After. Then, on October 8, Meyer will share his two fun and whimsical 1970s movies that playfully mix history and fiction: Time After Time, in which H.G. Wells travels by time machine to 1979 San Francisco in pursuit of Jack the Ripper; and the Sherlock Holmes meets Sigmund Freud mystery The Seven-Per-Cent Solution, featuring a screenplay by Meyer that is adapted from his own novel. These screenings are presented with the generous support of The William F. Vilas Trust.
- Thu., Oct. 6 | 7:00 PM4070 Vilas Hall
Originally broadcast on November 20, 1983, the controversial TV movie The Day After explored the devastating effects of nuclear war on the community of Lawrence, KS, where the movie was actually filmed. The ABC broadcast made an astounding impact during the Cold War era, a time when President Reagan pursued his “peace through strength” policies of nuclear weapon buildup. Combining television footage of the promotional hype alongside interviews with filmmakers, ABC executives, and residents of Lawrence, Television Event traces the full history of production and the powerful residual effects of The Day After’s airing. After the screening, a virtual discussion with Television Event’s director, Jeff Daniels. Presented with the generous support of The William F. Vilas Trust.
- Fri., Oct. 7 | 7:00 PM4070 Vilas Hall
Harrowing, but overflowing with humanity, The Day After follows the lives of a number of citizens of a small city in Kansas, before, during, and after a nuclear attack by the Soviet Union. Originally produced for broadcast on American television at 122 minutes, The Day After will be shown in the slightly longer international theatrical version. After the screening, an in-person conversation with Director Nicholas Meyer.
- Sat., Oct. 8 | 2:00 PM4070 Vilas Hall
One of the wittiest and most entertaining fantasies of its era, Time After Time begins with the premise that famed science fiction author H.G. Wells (McDowell) actually invented his own time machine in 1893. When the device is hijacked by Jack the Ripper (Warner), Wells must find his way to 1979 San Francisco in order to stop the serial killer. Out of his element and out of his time, Wells finds love and support from a helpful bank teller (Steenburgen). This was the feature directorial debut for novelist and screenwriter Nicholas Meyer, who takes a light-hearted, classical Hollywood approach, right down to the lush score from Golden Age composer Miklos Rosza. After the screening, an in-person conversation with Nicholas Meyer.
- Sat., Oct. 8 | 7:00 PM4070 Vilas Hall
Looking to help Sherlock Holmes (Williamson) with his increasing addiction to cocaine, Dr. Watson (Duvall) lures Holmes to Vienna, in order to initiate psychiatric sessions with Sigmund Freud (Arkin). While Freud looks to unlock the mysteries of Holmes' subconscious, Holmes attempts to find kidnapping victim Lola (Vanessa Redgrave). The supporting cast for this fleet-footed period thriller also includes Joel Grey, Samantha Eggar, and Laurence Olivier as Professor Moriarty. Screenwriter Nicholas Meyer, who adapted his own best-selling novel, will join us in-person after the screening for a discussion.