This outrageously unique sci-fi semi-spoof was the first feature from genre film emperor John Carpenter. The film originally began as a 45-minute University of Southern California student film project by Carpenter and collaborator Dan O'Bannon (Alien, The Return of the Living Dead) that was eventually expanded into a feature length production. The film takes place on the deep-space cruiser Dark Star, where a crew of laid-back astronauts (including O’Bannon himself) are assigned the task of blowing up planets with unsuitable life forms in order to make the universe safe for the human race. The leader is Commander Powell (Joe Sanders), who’s cryogenically frozen after being killed in a freak accident. Next in line is Doolittle (Brian Narelle) who tries to keep the rest of the crew in check, which — due to the onset of alien creatures and intergalactic existential hysteria — is a much tougher job than expected. (John Carpenter, USA, 1974, 83 min.)
Restoration courtesy of Shout! Factory and the American Genre Film Archive
Our goal is to ensure your visit to Lightbox is safe and comfortable. As we resume in-person events in the coming months, we will continue to follow the health and safety guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control as well as state and local officials. While preparing to attend a Lightbox program please note the following:
·Lightbox Film Center at UArts is a vaccine-required community, with few exceptions.
·All guests must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and must present proof of vaccination at the box office. CDC-issued vaccination cards are preferred, though photographic proof will also be accepted. Masks are required at all times.
·Lightbox will be operating at reduced capacity until further notice.
·Tickets to all screenings must be purchased in advance at https://lightbox-film-center.ticketleap.com/
