Coming soon: a movie for every taste

It doesn’t matter whether you like action, horror, documentaries or romantic comedies; vintage, indie or foreign films; if people watch it, Bloomington has a film series that shows it.

For students, new releases don’t get any cheaper than the Union Board’s weekly films in the Whittenberger Auditorium. Audree Notoras, director of the Union Board films committee, said the UB usually shows movies four months to a week before they come out on DVD, depending on the popularity of the film.

While the committee decides which movies to show, Notoras said members are always open to outside input.

“We love it when students e-mail us with suggestions,” she said. “We try to show movies that have had success in the box office, or that we think would have a wide student interest.”

Down at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, the Golden Age of Hollywood film series offers several movies each year on the second Sunday of the month. For $2, audience members can enjoy 1950’s classic dark western “The Furies” in September, Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant in “Holiday” in October and 1957’s “The Sweet Smell of Success” in November.

Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse wrap up the year in December’s “Silk Stockings,” complete with a classic Cole Porter soundtrack.

If you’re in the mood for independent, foreign or documentary films, there’s always the Ryder film series in the School of Fine Arts building.

“We program films for people who want to see movies that challenge them and make them think,” said program director Peter LoPilato. “We’re not showing ‘Transformers,’ not that we don’t enjoy those movies.”

This weekend, The Ryder will open “Humpday,” a comedy about domestication, sexuality and the line between porn and art.

“I show films that I think I would find interesting ... and enjoyable,” LoPilato said. “Independent films tend to be one person’s vision, so they’re a little more personal.

Free flicks at the Whitt
Whittenberger Auditorium film series
Admission: free for students and $2 otherwise
Suggestions: ubfilms@indiana.edu
Upcoming films: “I Love You, Man” from Aug. 27 to 29,  “Up” from Sept. 3 to 5 and 
“Star Trek” from Sept. 10 to 12

Ryder film series
Admission: $4, except for movies shown at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, which are $5.
Showings: Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting from 7 to 8 p.m.