Cinema Salon is a monthly program sponsored by the Iowa City Senior Center that invites Center members and other movie lovers to view a discounted screening of a new release film at FilmScene, followed by a 30-minute facilitated discussion. Films are announced about two weeks in advance. The series' new discussion facilitator is Frank Murray, who has a PhD from Stanford University and 45 years of experience teaching literature, philosophy, and film.
Today’s feature is Wicked Little Letters. A 1920s English seaside town bears witness to a farcical and occasionally sinister scandal in this riotous mystery comedy. Based on a stranger than fiction true story, Wicked Little Letters follows two neighbors: deeply conservative local Edith Swan (Olivia Colman) and rowdy Irish migrant Rose Gooding (Jessie Buckley). When Edith and fellow residents begin to receive wicked letters full of unintentionally hilarious profanities, foul-mouthed Rose is charged with the crime. The anonymous letters prompt a national uproar, and a trial ensues. However, as the town’s women – led by Police Officer Gladys Moss (Anjana Vasan) – begin to investigate the crime themselves, they suspect that something is amiss, and Rose may not be the culprit after all. Watch trailer.
Cinema Salon screenings are open to the public and seating is first come, first served. Register online or by calling the Senior Center by 5 PM pm the day before each screening, at 319-356-5220. Fee: $6 for Senior Center members (discounted); pay at the FilmScene box office. Registration and Senior Center membership required for the discounted fee; others pay the full price (usually under $10 for seniors).