Grand Illusion Cinema

We’re rocking a “doc block” at the Grand Illusion right now.

Currently showing is Jessica Oreck’s “Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo.” For those of you still pumped after watching the TV miniseries “Life,” this gorgeous documentary throws more insects at you than you can shake a stick at. Though you wouldn’t want to shake a stick at them, because that would anger the beetle queen.

The film goes further than merely observing the natural world, but reflects on Japanese philosophy and cultural obsessions, the namesake beetles in particular. The narration may feel a bit unncessary at times, but the colorful imagery and rich soundtrack (natural and musical) make this documentary well above par.

Starting Friday, August 6 is a more traditional style documentary, Leslie Zemeckis’ “Behind the Burly Q.” This film delves into the rich history of America’s burlesque shows, centering mainly on the biggest stars of the first half of the 20th century. This film is not the vibrant stimulation that is “Beetle Queen,” rather it takes a storied collection of tales of the golden age of American burlesque, told by many of the stars themselves, and sheds light on this nearly forgotten cousin of vaudeville. Don’t expect to see any examples of modern burlesque, but maybe the film will inspire you to visit some of the great burlesque acts around Seattle.

If you’re like me and felt mainstream summer movies already peaked with Christopher Nolan’s masterpiece “Inception,” come feed your newly blown mind with these tasty morsels nightly at 7:00 and 9:00 for both weeks.

your faithful new GI blogger—dan (Friday night concessionaire)