Cat in the Bag

Held at Shadowbox Studio, the monthly film screening series Movie Loft gives us the opportunity this December to enjoy the Quebecois rare gem The Cat in the Bag (Le Chat dans le sac). With New Wave aesthetics and informed by documentary techniques, Gilles Groulx’s debut narrates the vicissitudes of the relationship between an idealist journalist (Claude Godbout) and an emerging actress (Barbara Ulrich), whose ideological differences push the young couple to a tipping point. Featuring a soundtrack by John Coltrane, this winner of the Grand Prix at the 1964 Montreal International Film Festival presents “a universal look at young alienation in the ‘60s” while also accounting for the specificities of this complex time in Quebec. Records by John Coltrane will be played starting at 6:30, followed by the screening of the film at 8:30 and more music to close out the eve. Hotdogs (a Movie Loft staple) will be served and admission is free as always, although donations are appreciated. —Marta Núñez Pouzols