Cinema Society

Salute to Swiss Filmmaker PETER LUISI

Average
Rating

3.8

Tuesday, November 01, 2011, Reading Cinemas Town Square 14 Theatre

Invited Guest: Peter Luisi

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1

In Association with the Consul General of Switzerland

SALUTE TO FILMMAKER PETER LUISI

The Cinema Society of San Diego is proud to be saluting Switzerland this season, and this evening we meet and honor one of their finest talents--writer/director Peter Luisi, who was born in Zurich, Switzerland in 1975. A graduate of University of California in Santa Cruz in Film and Video Production, Variety acclaimed, “Peter Luisi signals a talent to watch”.

This evening, the Cinema Society of San Diego is honored to present two feature films representing Peter’s work: VITUS, which he wrote the screenplay for in 2007, and was shortlisted by the Academy in the Best Foreign Language Category, and his latest directing effort THE SANDMAN (members are invited to select whichever of the two films showcased (based on start time and seat availability).

All showings will be held at the Reading Town Square 14 Theatre, located at 4665 Clairemont Drive, San Diego, 92117.

Peter will partake in introductions and post-screening discussions at each show. All films are in Swiss-German/German with English Subtitles.

Films screened this evening:

VITUS (2007)

Auditorium # 8

Showtimes:

On Screen 4:45pm and 7:45pm (Introductions begin 15 minutes prior, and discussions will follow screenings)

Peter Luisi wrote the screenplay for Switzerland’s Oscar Submission from 2007,VITUS,. It tells the story of a highly-gifted boy whose parents have demanding and ambitious plans for him - they want him to become a pianist. However, one day the boy, Vitus, is no longer willing to comply with his parents' plans and ambitions because he wants to follow his own star.

Running Time: 100 Minutes / Rated PG for mild thematic elements and language

THE SANDMAN (DER SANDMANN) (2011)

Auditorium # 14

Showtimes:

On Screen 4:30 and 7:30pm (Introductions begin 15 Minutes prior, and discussion will follow screenings)

Written and Directed by Peter Luisi, THE SANDMANN begins one fine morning, when Benno finds sand in his bed. While he tries to ignore this at first, he soon must accept that he is losing the sand. Day after day the sand increases and his time literally starts running short. He is left no choice and must ask Sandra, who runs a small coffee shop under his apartment, for help. Although Benno hates her with a passion, he has started dreaming of her every night. What could Sandra and the dreams have to do with the sand?

Running Time: 88 Minutes / Not Rated

Send a Comment

10-Nov-11: susan - Rating: 4

I saw Vitus several years ago and remember it as very touching. Loved "The Sandman" for its creativity.

6-Nov-11: Jim - Rating: 5

I'm giving Vitus a 5 and Sandman a 4. Certainly one had more funding and sophistication. Plenty of well deserved kudos for Vitas. But, the story of the Sandman kept me guessing and wondering and very entertained. It deserves high praise as well. What an story imagination and very effective special effects. A Luisi is a great talent and we saw two very different films worthy of high praise.

2-Nov-11: RichG - Rating: 3

Vitas was well worth the subtitles. Well written. Well acted. Well cast. To learn the young pianist is first and foremost an accomplished performer makes the "back story" even more interesting.

Sandman is another topic entirely. This should have been a twenty minute short. What was the point of the repitition? Ultimately boring and unnecessary.

2-Nov-11: Susan Ulevitch - Rating: 5

I really liked this film. The pacing, the acting, the acting, even the dialogue. The drama and pathos of it all. Did I totally understand it? No. But that doesn't take away from my appreciation and enjoyment of it.

Thank you!

2-Nov-11: Karolen - Rating: 4

Am I the only one who thought The Sandman was verging on brilliant? Such an inventive story and the photography was so subtle--going from dreamland to reality. Sorry that Switzerland has already submitted their Oscar film for this year because this would be on my list. When I think about what it was like to be buried in the sand as a kid--willingly of course--and thinking all I wanted to do was get out. The truth will out--as the old saying goes.

2-Nov-11: judys - Rating: 1

Subtract 10 from that rating for Sandman. So far this season's films have dealt with a brain tumor, death, corruption, cancer, domestic violence and human disintegration. Enough already! Give me more joy, please.

Vitus which was shown in an earlier year delivered the kind of buzz I keep hoping to see.

2-Nov-11: Mroe - Rating: 4

I really enjoyed this movie; of course you will always win me over when there is a story about a grandparent and grandchild relationship and their special bond. Amazing that the Director was so fortunate (a miracle really) to find a real piano prodigy who could act (and darn good I might add)...if they had Academy Awards for kid actors both boys should have won. Another added delight was having co-writer Peter Luisi and his inside info into the process of making the film...Just disappointed I wasn’t able to make it for the 4:30pm “Sandman” (darn job!)

1-Nov-11: JF - Rating: 5

We saw Vitus tonight, and absolutely loved it! The story was always interesting, heartfelt and magical. The actors were all excellent and the characters believably human. Thanks Andy, this one is a gem!