Creepy Old Man

James Mason thanks heaven for little girls

Comments (0) By Darci Ratliff Thursday, Feb 9 2006

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Before Amy Fisher or Vili Fualaau, there was Lolita. Stanley Kubrick's 1962 film captures the essence of one of the most influential and oft-alluded-to works of literature. Based on the Vladimir Nabokov novel of the same name, Lolita tells the story of a middle-aged scholar plagued by his lust for his underage stepdaughter. (If you're afraid of books, think Alicia Silverstone in an Aerosmith video or 1993's "Lolita lite," The Crush). It's a story that's difficult to adapt for the screen; the novel's protagonist benefits from an internal dialogue rich with wit and wordplay that is lost in translation to film. As such, it can be more difficult to empathize, and frankly, a violent pedophile needs all the help he can get. That said, Kubrick's film is widely regarded to be the best possible adaptation; the screenplay was written by Nabokov himself, which lends some credibility to that claim. And if classic literature come to life via one of the world's most brilliant and innovative directors doesn't excite you, I can only offer two words that might: James Mason. (You totally thought I was going to say "statutory rape.") Lolita screens at midnight Friday and Saturday at the Inwood Theatre, 5458 W. Lovers Lane. Tickets are $8. Call 214-764-9106 or landmarktheatres.com.
Fri., Feb. 10; Sat., Feb. 11