A Master Builder

Vancouver premiere of the film A Master Builder at  the Cinematheque!

The artistic triumvirate of Jonathan Demme, André Gregory, and Wallace Shawn update Henrik Ibsen’s The Master Builder, a modern classic about a successful, egomaniacal architect who has spent a lifetime bullying his wife, employees, and mistresses — who nonetheless wants to make peace with himself as his life approaches its final act. Wallace Shawn gives a tour-de-force performance as the cruel, yet guilt-ridden architect. Jonathan Demme’s direction is based on the near-legendary production created for the stage by André Gregory over a period of more than 10 years. Lisa Joyce plays a sensual, mysterious young visitor who turns the household upside down, much to the consternation of Julie Hagerty, perfectly cast as Shawn’s neurasthenic, long-suffering wife” (Film Forum New York). The film is dedicated to Louis Malle. Showings will take place from September 11 – 14, 2014.