Dead or Alive
September 14, 2022
Special focus on The Fourth Man (1983) and Robocop (1987)
A SIFF Film Talks series with John Trafton, examining the provocative films of Dutch filmmaker Paul Verhoven.
Join us as we deep dive into the work of Dutch filmmaker Paul Verhoeven in our four-week series. We will explore his early work in the Netherlands, films that caught the attention of the international moviegoing community that ultimately propelled him to cult status with his satirical sci-fi film Robocop. Next, we will look at his sensational (and often controversial) work from the 1990s, films that further cemented his reputation as a provocative auteur: Total Recall, Basic Instinct, Showgirls, and Starship Troopers. Lastly, we will explore his work in the twenty-first century, culminating with his recent film Benedetta.
In conjunction with this series, SIFF will present six Paul Verhoeven films on the big screen at the SIFF Uptown—Robocop (September 11), Total Recall (September 15), Basic Instinct (September 19), Showgirls on 35mm (September 26), Starship Troopers (September 27), and Benedetta (October 3).
Class Pass: $100 Regular | $80 SIFF members (includes all 4 talks and 6 screenings)
Individual Talks: $25 Sustainer | $15 Regular | $10 SIFF member
Individual Screenings: $14 Regular | $9 SIFF members
Please note: While the films in this series are screened at SIFF Uptown, the Film Talks will take place in the SIFF Film Center theater.
September 21, 2022
Exploring the sensational films Total Recall (1990) and Basic Instinct (1992).
October 5, 2022
Following Verhoeven into the 21st century with Black Book (2006), Elle (2016), and Benedetta (2021)
September 11, 2022
In a dystopic and crime-ridden Detroit, a terminally wounded cop returns to the force as a powerful cyborg haunted by submerged memories.
September 15, 2022
When a man goes in to have virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars implanted in his mind, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real.
September 19, 2022
A violent police detective investigates a brutal murder that might involve a manipulative and seductive novelist.
September 26, 2022
A young drifter, arrives in Las Vegas to become a dancer and soon sets about clawing and pushing her way to become the top of the Vegas showgirls.
September 27, 2022
In the distant future high school kids are encouraged to become citizens by joining the military. What they don't know is that they'll soon be engaged in a full scale war against a planet of alien insects. The fight is on to ensure the safety of humanity.
October 3, 2022
Based on a true story, a 17th-century nun becomes entangled in a forbidden lesbian affair with a novice. But it is Benedetta’s shocking religious visions that threaten to shake the Church to its core.