Behind The Lens: Coolidge Corner Theatre Unveils ‘Take Two’ May Repertory Series

Ever wonder how the "cinematic sausage" gets made? This May, the Coolidge Corner Theatre is pulling back the curtain with its latest repertory series, “Take Two: Filmmaking in the Movies.” Co-presented by MUBI, the series celebrates the messy, hilarious, and often disastrous reality of life on a film set.

The lineup features a diverse mix of DIY documentaries, biting satires, and mind-bending dramas that explore how filmmakers chase inspiration—and sometimes fall flat on their faces. Highlights include the 35mm screening of the indie hit Living in Oblivion, the scrappy ambition of American Movie, and the iconic found-footage terror of The Blair Witch Project.

Go Back to School at the Coolidge For those who want to do more than just watch, the Coolidge is offering a five-week education class in tandem with the series. A "class pass" grants access to every Wednesday night screening, along with pre- and post-film lectures led by industry experts, including filmmaker Justin Liberman.

Sunday Double Features The series also features curated Sunday afternoon double features, perfect for local cinephiles:

• Mother’s Day (May 10): A celebratory pairing of Sullivan’s Travels and Singin’ in the Rain.
• The "Outsider" Special (May 17): A deep dive into "the world's worst director" with Tim Burton’s Ed Wood followed by the infamous Plan 9 from Outer Space.
• Charlie Kaufman Obsession (May 24): A mind-bending afternoon featuring Adaptation and Synecdoche, New York.

Full Series Schedule:

• May 6: Living in Oblivion (35mm) – 7pm (Seminar at 6:15pm)
• May 10: Sullivan’s Travels & Singin’ in the Rain – 2pm
• May 12: American Movie (35mm) – 7pm
• May 13: Hollywood Shuffle (35mm) – 7pm
• May 17: Ed Wood & Plan 9 from Outer Space – 2pm
• May 20: The Blair Witch Project (35mm) – 7pm
• May 21: Cecil B. Demented – 9:30pm
• May 24: Adaptation & Synecdoche, New York (35mm) – 2pm
• May 27: Irma Vep (35mm) – 7pm
• May 28: The Stunt Man (35mm) – 9:30pm
• May 31: Nouvelle Vague & Contempt – 2pm
• June 3: Epidemic – 7pm

About the Coolidge Corner Theatre Located in the heart of Brookline, the nonprofit Coolidge Corner Theatre has been a staple of the New England film community since 1933. Known for its world-class independent programming and educational outreach, it remains one of the premier independent cinemas in the country.

For tickets and more information on the "Take Two" series or the accompanying film classes, visit coolidge.org.