The Art of Appropriation
A less-explored but completely fascinating strand of cinema history is that of “appropriation” through found footage art and the remixing existing media to create new contexts and meanings. While generally associated with avant garde artists like Bruce Conner, it’s an amazingly diverse tradition manifest through work as wide-ranging as Godzilla, King of the Monsters, Woody Allen’s What’s Up, Tiger Lilly? and Steven Soderbergh’s recut of 2001. Throw in the bizarre reformulations of iconic films that yield a Turkish Spiderman or a Nigerian Tarzan as well as crowd-sourced projects like Star Wars Uncut and it’s also inescapably entertaining.
One filmmaker whose sensibility finds deep roots in found footage art, collage, cut-up and the reframing of cultural iconography is Rodney Ascher, whose brilliant Room 237 explores a handful of outlandish interpretations and perceived meanings of Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining and is itself a variant on the ‘found footage film’. Along with The Nightmare (a terrifying look at people who experience sleep paralysis) and his short S from Hell (a horror film about the Screen Gems logo), Room 237 can be loosely classified as a documentary, but in a way that illustrates the vastly expanding borders of non-fiction.
What’s more in a digital age, the appropriation of popular media has essentially become a popular practice…a digital-age mode of expression for just about anybody who can access the web.
Join us for a look at the fabulously eclectic, swiftly-evolving world of appropriation, remixes, mash-ups and more….
Lost & Found at the Movies is generously supported by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does Lost & Found at the Movies cost to attend?
Lost & Found at the Movies is free to attend.
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Can I attend if I’m not a Member?
While priority notification is given to LFLA Members, non-Members are welcome to attend if space allows. However, the complimentary reception following the program is limited to Members.
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Do I have to make a reservation?
Reservations are recommended, as our programs often fill to capacity. Priority is given to reserved guests.
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Can I attend even if I don’t have a reservation?
Yes! We often have space available to accommodate walk-up guests without advanced reservations. Check our stand-by policy for more information.
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Reservation Policy for Free Programs
As Lost & Found at the Movies is free of charge, it is our policy to overbook. In the case of a FULL program your free reservation may not guarantee admission. We recommend arriving early. Unclaimed reservations will be released to standby patrons at the start of each program.
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Standby Policy
Standby numbers are distributed in person only one hour before the program, on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no advance wait list for full programs. Standby patrons will be admitted based on availability. Most programs will be available via podcast. Become a Member of the Library Foundation to receive priority notification of these programs.
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Canceling a Reservation
If you are unable to use your reservation, please email libbymccarthy@lfla.org.
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Where does Lost & Found at the Movies take place?
Unless otherwise noted, Lost & Found at the Movies is held at the downtown Central Library’s Mark Taper Auditorium.
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Where should I park for Lost & Found at the Movies?
We recommend taking public transportation. Parking for the Central Library is at the Westlawn Garage at 524 S. Flower Street. For more information, visit the Library’s website.
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Where do I purchase the speaker’s book?
Occasionally a guest on Lost & Found at the Movies is touring with a book. Books are made available for purchase at programs or can be purchased while making your online reservation. In order to participate in the book signing, you must purchase at least one book.