PLEASENTVILLE (M) Presented on 35mm

Pleasantville at Revival House Perth

Experience Gary Ross's brilliant 1998 fantasy satire that explores what happens when the messy reality of life crashes into the perfect world of 1950s television. When modern teenagers David and Jennifer are mysteriously transported into their father's favorite black-and-white sitcom "Pleasantville," their 1990s attitudes and behaviors begin to literally add color to this monochrome world of repressed perfection.

Tobey Maguire brings earnest vulnerability to David, a lonely teen who finds refuge in TV nostalgia but must learn that real life requires courage and change. Reese Witherspoon sparkles as his rebellious sister Jennifer, whose sexual awakening and modern attitudes become catalysts for the town's transformation.

Ross's visionary direction uses the gradual introduction of color as both stunning visual metaphor and narrative device, exploring themes of conformity, sexual repression, and social change. The film's production design creates an authentic 1950s television world that slowly blossoms into full-color reality as characters discover passion, art, and individual expression.

Joan Allen delivers a powerhouse performance as Betty Parker, the perfect housewife whose awakening to desire and independence becomes the film's emotional center, while William H. Macy brings complexity to her bewildered husband. Jeff Daniels shines as the soda fountain owner who discovers his artistic soul.

The film's exploration of censorship, racism, and social progress uses its fantastical premise to examine real-world issues with intelligence and heart.

Presented on authentic 35mm film for the true cinematic experience!

When: Friday, October 25th at 5:25 PM
Where: Revival House Perth
Rating: M - Sexual themes and mild language

A colorful meditation on progress and perfection that proves sometimes paradise needs a little chaos - essential viewing that reminds us real life is messier than TV, but infinitely more beautiful.