Scarlet Johansson's directorial debut and two limited-showing films open Sept. 26 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center.
"Eleanor the Great" features a bravura performance from June Squibb in the title role of the spirited 94-year-old who tells a tale that takes on a dangerous life of its own. Eleanor Morgenstein has always stayed engaged and connected to the people around her. So, after a devastating loss, she relocates from Florida to New York City to live with her daughter and grandson, hoping to reconnect with her family. Instead, she feels even more adrift and invisible. One day she unknowingly wanders into a support group where she doesn’t quite belong, only to reveal a story that unwittingly brings her a level of attention she did not intend. Eleanor finds herself caught up in the enlivening consequences as a young journalism student pursues her as a friend and mentor. When things go too far, Eleanor must confront the truth. In her directorial debut, Scarlett Johansson brings together themes of aging, family, loss and what constitutes deceit, as this story of friendship and history turns into a profound tale of complicated humanity.
"Eleanor the Great" is rated PG-13 and is showing through Oct. 9.
"Hundreds of Beavers" is a slapstick epic about a frostbitten battle between a drunken applejack salesman and DIABOLICAL BEAVERS–hundreds of them–who stand between him and survival. In the film, all animals are played by puppets or mascot costumes, resulting in a bizarre concoction that’s part Funniest Home Videos, part Buster Keaton, part Looney Tunes. It has to be seen to be believed.
"Hundreds of Beavers" is not rated and is showing through Sept. 28.
Flying cows, mysterious gods and lyrical pandemonium: Don Hertzfeldt has made Animation Mixtape just for you. The dazzling 85-minute program features exciting, animated shorts from up-and-coming filmmakers, Academy Award nominees and classic pieces that originally inspired Don to start making his own iconic work. Including a new animated introduction from Don and never before seen work from famed underground animator Bruce Bickford. The Animation Mixtape is taking 11 short films to theaters across the U.S. and Canada, providing a special, one-time chance for these stylish and unique films to be seen by animation fans on the big screen. Like a concert, "Animation Mixtape" is a live event by design and will be shown only in cinemas.
"Animation Mixtape" is unrated and recommended for ages 17+ due to some animated violence. Not intended for children. It is showing through Sept. 28.
