What we’re about
It's like book club, but for Movies!
Want to talk about movies with other movie nerds? Saw a great movie you gotta tell others about?
The Portland Movie Club meets regularly to talk about a movie we all watched, recommend great movies to each other, and decide on what to watch for the next discussion. We're open to all fans of film.
Membership is free, just join us for a beer or two and hang out!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Political Films Meet-Up: THE ZONE OF INTERESTLucky Labrador Brew Pub, Portland, OR
Political Films Meet-Up: “THE ZONE OF INTEREST”
Let’s talk about movies! Join movie club member Clay V. for the next film in our Political Films series with Jonathan Glazer's “The Zone of Interest “(2023). Loosely based on the novel of the same name by Martin Amis, it focuses on the private and professional life of Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss (Christian Friedel) and the life he and his wife Hedwig (Sandra Hüller) built on the outskirts of the death camp.
Here’s how The Portland Movie Club Meet-Ups work:
Just like a book club, we watch the movie before we meet.We'll meet at Lucky Lab at 4pm (map) on the scheduled day & date.
We'll typically have a sign at our table(s) but at least we'll try to be obvious and identifiable.
Grab some food and drinks and spend some time socializing and discussing this movie with us.
A Few Notes about the film:
“The Zone of Interest” was widely praised and fiercely criticized, eventually earning an Oscar, three BAFTAs, and the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. Steven Spielberg called it the best film about the Holocaust since his own Schindler's List (1993). And Sight and Sound placed it at number 2 on their list of the 50 best movies of 2023.Many, including director Jonathan Glazer, have drawn parallels between the film and Israel's conduct in Gaza. I mention this because these parallels are sure to come up in our conversation, so anyone who might be offended by such conversations should be aware.
Viewing Options for the film:
Streaming options are currently reported to include HBO Max, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Sling TV and Apple TV+. The film is available on Blu ray direct from the A24 online store and on import Blu ray and 4K UHD Blu-ray from the usual importers such as Amazon and Diabolik - and possibly even Music Milennium here in Portland, which typically stocks an excellent selection of imported discs (check 'em out!).About Political Films:
This series is based on the New Republic article, "The 100 Most Significant Political Films of All Time" ([https://newrepublic.com/article/173376/100-political-films-new-republic-list] published in June 2023 and is a comprehensive list of films that speak to our relationships with government, war, bureaucracy, politics and politicians, crime, propaganda, classism, and more. The list is not intended to be a collection of the 'best' films, but the most significant (although many of them are also very good). Some of these films can be a challenging watch, I'd suggest www.doesthedogdie.com for content warnings.Tips:
Haven't seen the movie in a while? You're in for a treat - try to watch the movie sometime before we meet. Just like a book club we don't watch the movie at our meetup, we just discuss it after we’ve seen it.You don't have to watch the movie to join us, but it'll be more fun if you can.
Many of us usually take a few notes while watching to keep from forgetting the most interesting stuff. If you think of some interesting discussion topics while you watch, bring 'em with you!
Typically, at the Meet-Up we'll decide on our next political film to watch! Take a look at the list linked above for options to consider for the next film.
Previous films viewed by “Political Films” Meet-up members for group discussion have included “Harlan County USA,” “Judas And The Black Messiah,” "Medium Cool," “The President’s Analyst,” “Marat / Sade,” “On The Waterfront,” “The Great McGinty,” “Seven Days In May,” “The Candidate,” “The Act of Killing,” “The Battle Of Algiers,” “All The President’s Men,” “How To Blow Up A Pipeline,” “Do The Right Thing,” “Malcolm X,” “A Face In The Crowd,” and “Dr. Strangelove.”
The Portland Movie Club is on Discord!
Are you on Discord? Join the Portland Movie Club! - Stanley Kubrick: Paths of Glory DiscussionLucky Labrador Brew Pub, Portland, OR
Join movie club member Nick M for the next film in a series focusing on the works of Stanley Kubrick! Responsible for films like 2001: A Space Odessey, Full Metal Jacket, and The Shining; he influenced directors like Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Woody Allen, George Lucas, and Paul Thomas Anderson. The next film we're looking at is Paths of Glory (1957). Here's how it works:
- We'll meet at Lucky Lab in SE at 4pm (map), we'll have a sign at our table (be sure to check outside just in case the weather is nice).
- Grab a drink and we'll spend some time discussing the film with us (NOTE: Just like a book club, we watch the movie before we meet, streaming links below).
Movie Spotlight: Paths of Glory
Paths of Glory is a 1957 American anti-war film directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on the novel of the same name by Humphrey Cobb. The film is set during World War I and tells the story of Colonel Dax, a French army officer who is ordered to lead a suicidal attack on a German position. When the attack fails, Dax is forced to defend three of his soldiers who are accused of cowardice and face a court-martial. The film explores themes of military bureaucracy, the psychological effects of war, and the dehumanizing nature of military discipline.The film received widespread critical acclaim and is now considered a classic of American cinema. Paths of Glory was nominated for one Academy Award, for Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium, and although it did not win, it has since been recognized as one of the greatest films of all time. In 1992, the film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, and it has been named as one of the greatest films of all time by numerous publications, including Sight & Sound and Rolling Stone. The film's influence can still be seen in many modern war movies, and its powerful anti-war message continues to resonate with audiences today.
About Stanley Kubrick
Stanley Kubrick (1928–1999) was an American filmmaker and photographer, widely regarded as one of the greatest directors of all time. Born and raised in New York City, Kubrick displayed a keen interest in literature, photography, and film from a young age. After graduating from high school, he taught himself all aspects of film production and direction. His films spanned various genres and were often adaptations of novels or short stories. Kubrick’s meticulous attention to detail, innovative cinematography, extensive set design, and dark humor set him apart. Notable works include “Paths of Glory” (1957), an anti-war film, and the historical epic “Spartacus” (1960), both collaborations with actor Kirk Douglas. In 1961, Kubrick left the U.S., settling in England, where he continued to create groundbreaking films. His science fiction masterpiece “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968) earned him an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and is considered one of the greatest films ever made.Kubrick’s artistic control extended to writing, editing, color grading, promotion, and exhibition. His perfectionism led to painstaking research, innovative staging, and multiple retakes of scenes, sometimes frustrating his actors. His legacy endures through films that broke new ground, leaving an indelible mark on cinema.
You can use www.doesthedogdie.com for content warnings.
Tips:
- Haven't seen the movie in a while? You're in for a treat - try to watch the movie sometime before we meet (streaming options). Just like a book club we don't watch the movie at our meetup, just discuss it. You don't have to watch the movie to join us, but it'll be more fun if you can
- I usually take a few notes while I watch to keep from forgetting the most interesting stuff. If you think of some interesting discussion topics while you watch, bring 'em with you!
Movie Resources:
The Portland Movie Club is on Discord!
Are you on Discord? Join the Portland Movie Club! - Giallo spotlight: "Santa Sangre"Dot's Cafe, Portland, OR
Santa Sangre (1989), directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky, is a surreal psychological horror film that blends circus spectacle, religious symbolism, and psychological trauma into a haunting cinematic experience. The story follows Fenix, a young man raised in a traveling circus, whose troubled past resurfaces after a period of institutionalization. As he reconnects with his memories—and with a powerful maternal figure—he’s drawn into a nightmarish journey that blurs the line between reality and delusion.
While Santa Sangre isn’t a traditional giallo, it shares several key traits with the genre: stylized violence, psychological instability, and a mystery rooted in trauma. The film’s Italian co-production (with Claudio Argento, brother of giallo maestro Dario Argento, as producer) also ties it to the giallo lineage. Like many gialli, it features a protagonist with fragmented memories, vivid color palettes, and a series of grotesque murders that are as symbolic as they are shocking.
What sets it apart is Jodorowsky’s signature surrealism—less whodunit, more what is reality. It’s like a giallo filtered through a dream logic lens, with echoes of The Hands of Orlac and Deep Red, but also something uniquely mythic and operatic.
Tips:
- Haven't seen the movie in a while? You're in for a treat - try to watch the movie sometime before we meet (Streaming Options). Just like a book club we don't watch the movie at our meetup, just discuss it. You don't have to watch the movie to join us, but it'll be more fun if you can.
- I usually take a few notes while I watch to keep from forgetting the most interesting stuff. If you think of some interesting discussion topics while you watch, bring 'em with you!
- We'll decide on our next giallo movie to watch! Come with suggestions.
Are you not that familiar with the giallo genre? Read the Wikipedia entry to learn more. Is there a giallo you'd like to propose the group watch and discuss next? Here's a comprehensive list of Italian giallos along with films influenced by the genre. Maybe there's a film you've heard about but needed an excuse to see--come join us for discussion & make a suggestion!
Coming to the group for the first time, but interested in movies previously watched & discussed? Here's a list of all previous giallos watched and discussed by the group (with group rating)!
On Discord? Join the Portland Movie Club!
Not open - First Roles: "Taking Off" with Kathy Bates (plus Carly Simon, Georgia Engel)Lucky Labrador Brew Pub, Portland, OR
Join Portland Movie Club members Kyle and Clay for the First Roles group discussion! This group focuses on the initial on-screen appearances of celebrated Hollywood icons. For this meeting we've chosen a film with several notable first appearances. We will be discussing Miloš Foreman's 1971 film "Taking Off," featuring the big-screen debuts of Kathy Bates, Carly Simon, Jessica Harper, Georgia Engel, and Vincent Schiavelli.
Here's how it works:
- We'll meet at Lucky Lab at 4pm (map) There will be a Portland Movie Club sign at our table.
- Grab some food and drinks and we'll spend some time discussing this masterpiece with us (NOTE: Just like a book club, we watch the movie before we meet, streaming links below).
Movie Spotlight: "Taking Off"
Taking Off (1971) was Miloš Forman's first English language film, and his first collaboration with screenwriter Jean-Claude Carrière. While originally conceived as another hippie movie, Taking Off became a sympathetic satire of both sides of the notorious Generation Gap of the 1960s-70s. A couple in the suburbs of New York City (Buck Henry and Lynn Carlin) are distraught when their teenage daughter suddenly runs off. They search all over the city, and find that there is a community of parents in the same position, who are willing to go to great lengths to find and relate to their children.Featured First Roles:
Viewers will easily recognize a teenage Kathy Bates (credited as Bobo Bates), who is one of many young people auditioning for stardom alongside the prodigal daughter. She plays acoustic guitar and sings a song written by Bates herself. Carly Simon is also in the audition, and sings an obscure original that has become something of a mantra to one of our hosts. Vincent Schiavelli, who became a regular in Forman's films, makes a memorable first appearance in a scene I dare not describe. And somewhere in the film is Jessica Harper, future star of Suspiria (1977), though our host has yet to spot her.Availability:
Sadly, this movie was not a financial success and remains obscure in the United States. Good quality DVDs and Blurays can only be ordered from overseas, and even the mighty Movie Madness collection only has a VHS of the film.
Thankfully, The Internet Archive exists, and the film can be streamed at the link below. If for some reason that viewing method does not work for you, send a message to host Clay V who can provide you with a link to an alternative streaming option.
https://archive.org/details/taking-off-1971?
