CLEARLAKE — In August, Second Sunday Cinema will break from tradition and show two feature films. On the second Sunday, Aug. 10th, we will screen “Stop-Loss,” a drama about what happens to our young soldiers in Iraq, and then what happens all too frequently once they return home. Some are changed profoundly by the the trauma of war — so much so that fiancees, families and friends no longer “recognize” them. In a very real sense, they cannot “go home again.” Others, like the sergeant played by Ryan Phillippe, are stop-lossed: they are returned to Iraq against their will because the military says so, no ifs, ands or buts.
There has been a spate of films on the war recently. Not all of them have had great audience appeal, but “Stop-Loss” is different. It is skillfully directed by Kimberley Pierce, who coaxes superb acting from a fine ensemble cast. In fact, the film is so well made on every level, it is more successful in conveying the truth about the Iraq veterans” experiences than many documentaries.
This is a compassionate film, neither bitter or cynical.
Shannon Tolson, Second Sunday Cinema coordinator, says she”s very glad to have had her heart opened more toward the young people being sent to Iraq. Do we “Support Our Troops” by sending them into chaos and death?
On the third Sunday, Aug. 17, we”ll screen an extra Sunday cinema. “The Reflecting Pool” is a feature film examining the many remaining questions surrounding the attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Why, for instance, did WTC No. 7 collapse, when it was never hit by a plane and had only a small fire? The star and writer of this film will be present for this screening. More information will be forthcoming as the date approaches.
As always, Second Sunday Cinema films are free to one and all. Our doors open at 5:30 p.m. for snacks and socializing The film will start at 6 p.m. and afterwards there is always time to hang out and talk with friends and acquaintances. Our venue is the Clearlake United Methodist Church at 14521 Pearl Ave. in Clearlake. More information is available by contacting Shannon Tolson at 279-2957 or at 9164ster@gmail.com.
