The Three-Part IFC Original Begins Wednesday, August 20 at 8:00PM/ET
In a defiant generation where rules were shoved out the window and limits went as far as your motorcycle could take you, these filmmakers changed our world. Complementing the three-part IFC Original, IFC presents a tribute to the films of an untamed era, airing each night Wednesday, August 20 through to Saturday, August 23 at 9:00PM/ET. A Decade Under the Influence, a special three-part IFC Original opening the on-air festival every evening at 8:00PM/ET, is a comprehensive overview of American cinema during the 1970s. In addition to broadcasting the film that is currently in theatrical distribution by- sister company IFC Films, the expanded TV format features supplementary interviews and exclusive behind the scenes material.
Ed Carroll, IFC Executive Vice President and General Manager states, "The seventies represented a unique opportunity for artistic expression as a new group of filmmakers broke down studio barriers. The films by Scorsese and Coppola that IFC will air adjacent to our original documentary, A Decade Under the Influence, provide a strong point of reference for the era."
The 1970's was an extraordinary time of rebellion, of questioning every accepted idea: political activism, hedonism, protests, the sexual revolution, the women's movement, the civil rights movement, the music revolution, rage and liberation. Every standard by which we set our social and cultural clocks was either turned inside out or thrown away completely and reinvented. For American cinema, the 1970s was an era during which a new generation of filmmakers created work for a new kind of audience — moviegoers who were hungry for stories that reflected their own experiences and who were turning their backs on aged old studio formulas. The 1970s were a singular decade during which every aspect of filmmaking was profoundly changed — the impact is still felt today.
The film roster is as follows:
Mean Streets (1973) – Directed by Martin Scorsese
Wednesday, August 20 at 9:00PM/ET
Starring Robert De Niro and Harvey Keitel, Mean Streets was Martin Scorsese's calling card to the crime genre, which he would ultimately help to reinvent. Owners of a local bar in Little Italy, Tony and Michael make deals in the streets of New York. Charlie, a small-time hood, collects and reclaims bad debts for his uncle. Charlie's uncle objects to the woman he loves and a near psychotic friend whose troublemaking threatens them all. A failed attempt to escape to Brooklyn moves them a step closer to a bitter, almost preordained future.
Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974) – Directed by Martin Scorsese
Thursday, August 21 at 9:00PM/ET
A pioneering film about single motherhood, recently widowed Alice Hyatt (Ellen Burstyn) has no money to support herself and her 11-year-old son. Starting their journey in California, the pair travels along the West coast to find a better life. Finally landing a job in Phoenix as a waitress, she meets a generous customer who turns her life around. Kris Kristofferson co-stars.
The Conversation (1974) – Directed by Francis Ford Coppola
Friday, August 22 at 9:00PM/ET
A dark, character study, which up to that point was not typical in cinema, Francis Ford Coppola's The Conversation tells the story of a lone surveillance expert with a meticulous devotion to his work, Harry Caul (Gene Hackman) is drawn into an assignment that may have serious ramifications. He finds himself grappling with his work ethic, conscience and personal history.
ENCORE! A Decade Under the Influence, Parts 1-3 Airing Back-to-Back
Saturday, August 23 at 8:00PM/ET
ENCORE! Mean Streets
Saturday, August 23 at 11:00PM/ET
In A Decade Under the Influence, co-directed by Richard LaGravenese (Living Out Loud) and Ted Demme (Blow), pioneering writers, directors and actors talk about the times, their films and their colleagues. In a unique twist to the documentary format, these filmmakers are interviewed by the next generation of filmmakers, which brings out intimate, personal and often untold stories. LaGravenese and Demme shared the interviewing duties with fellow filmmakers including Neil LaBute, Alexander Payne and Scott Frank.
Filmmakers interviewed for the documentary include Martin Scorsese (Director – Taxi Driver and Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore), Robert Altman (Director – MASH and McCabe & Mrs. Miller), Peter Bogdanovich (Director – The Last Picture Show and Targets), Ellen Burstyn (Actor – Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, The Exorcist, The King of Marvin Gardens), Julie Christie (Actor – Shampoo and McCabe & Mrs. Miller), Dennis Hopper (Actor/Director/Co-Writer – Easy Rider), Sidney Lumet (Director – Dog Day Afternoon and Network), Sydney Pollack (Director – They Shoot Horses, Don't They), Paul Schrader (Writer – Taxi Driver), Polly Platt (Co-Writer –Targets/Production Designer – The Last Picture Show), and others.
The Independent Film Channel (IFC) is the first and most widely distributed channel dedicated to independent film 24 hours a day, uncut and commercial free. IFC continues to expand its programming lineup with original series and independent genre-focused specials. The network's recent, critically acclaimed series and specials include Dinner For Five, BaadAsssss Cinema, The American Nightmare, Indie Sex: Taboos and A Decade Under the Influence.
IFC Television is a part of IFC Companies, which has created a unique end-to-end business model and brand that focuses on developing and nurturing talent, and maximizing the value of independent film. With a television network, a film distribution and production unit, and a VOD service, IFC Companies represents the future of independent film. IFC Companies uses its unique position to broaden the independent film audience nationwide and to expand the opportunities for independent filmmakers. IFC Companies is a division of Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc.