Popeye
U
Why watch?
“A personal childhood favourite of mine, I cannot wait to share the intensity, melancholy, joy and absurdity of this film with Leeds audiences'. Come and be bamboozled together!”
Mosa Mpetha,
Creative Engagement Officer
The legendary, beloved anvil-armed sailor of the seven seas, Popeye, comes magically (and maniacally) to life, played by Robin Williams in his first studio film. Popeye meets all challenges with the unshakable philosophy, 'i yam what I yam and that's all that I yam' with consistent charm and melancholy from Williams. Shelley Duvall is Popeye's devoted long-limbed sweetie, Olive Oil, a role she was born to play, and joins Popeye in his adventures in the harbour town of Sweethaven, alongside a whimsical and clownified cast.
Directed by Robert Altman, this film is a truly a marvel. How did it come to be? Why does it exist? We don’t know, but we don’t care, just sit back and enjoy the glorious madness. Oh by the way, did we mention that it is a musical with original songs by Harry Nilsson? Obviously. And did you know Sweethaven still exists? Maybe one day we'll get to visit, but in the meantime, Scalarama Leeds presents this supremely odd but surprisingly moving children’s classic
This screening is the Scalarama Leeds DIY Cinema Festival 2024 programme launch, with introductions from the Scalarama Leeds team and free popcorn.
Scalarama Leeds is a DIY celebration of cinema by anyone, for everyone, everywhere. Anybody can join and put on a film screening in our film festival - a feature film or selection of shorts - which can be screened anywhere in Leeds. We tend to use non-traditional cinema venues, as long as they, or you, have all the equipment needed to screen a film. We're passionate about film and want to bring alternative films and different film experiences to the people of Leeds!