Tropical Malady (2004)

FREE | doors 7p / starts 7:30p | RSVP

dir. Apichatpong Weerasethakul

Some of you may know Weerasethakul from his last film, Memoria, or his Palme d’Or winner, Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives. If you aren’t familiar with his work, you’re in for a treat. Weerasethakul – or Joe, as he’s known by his friends in the West – is one of the most unique and exciting filmmakers working today. His films move at their own pace, eschewing from the conventional storytelling we expect from Hollywood releases in favor of something driven by sound and locations.

When it comes to Joe’s movies, it’s about the experience of watching the film moreso than it is about the plot. The general story of Tropical Malady centers around a romance between a Thai soldier and a young man from the countryside. There’s a bit of Thai folklore involving spirits and shamans as well, but we don’t want to go into too many details. In a space like Studio Two Three, Tropical Malady will become an immersive experience the likes of which can’t be recreated with an at-home viewing experience. Expect the unexpected.

This is the first in a series of Staff Picks from the Hard Light crew. Tommy, one of the premiere Slow Cinema Enjoyers here at Hard Light, selected this one.