On the occasion of the exhibition Alexis Smith: The American Way, MCASD and Digital Gym have partnered to present The Red Shoes (1948). With her signature sense of humor, artist Alexis Smith turns a keen eye to literature, movies and pop culture in collages that combine appropriated text with found images and objects. Borrowing from films like The Red Shoes, Smith scrutinizes stories of self-invention and success. 

Synopsis: This Powell and Pressburger classic is widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made and winner of two Oscars. It focuses on Vicky, a young ballerina starring in a ballet The Red Shoes. Like her character in the ballet, she is irresistibly drawn to dancing. Her life becomes split between her simple human passion and artistic devotion to her profession. The film contains ballet sequences of stylistic mastery, and is visually one of the most innovative and beautiful works of cinema ever created.

Critic Quotes: “The greatest film about ballet ever made.” – LA Weekly

“Catch it here now, and you will not just be seeing an old film made new; you will have your vision restored.” – The New Yorker

“One of the most beautiful films ever made.” – Seattle Times

“The film is voluptuous in its beauty and passionate in its storytelling. You don’t watch it, you bathe in it.” – Roger Ebert

Showtimes: 

Thursday, November 17, 2022:

4:00PM (No Post-Screening Discussion)

7:00PM (Join MCASD Associate Curator Anthony Graham and Digital Gym Film Curator Moisés Esparza in a discussion of the themes and inspirations of both Smith’s artwork and the film.)

Ticket Prices: $12 Regular / $10 Students & Seniors / $9 Members