Every Wes Anderson film seems long-awaited, even if it’s only been a couple of years between projects. That’s because his films fill a uniquely sized hole in our culture, a chasm in the cinematic topography; his films are simultaneously high art with mass appeal, light delights that deeply satiate and fulfill. Asteroid City seems to continue this trend, but also appears to be an even bolder, weirder, and more distinct film than any of his others.
It’s a period film set in 1955 at a desolate Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention in the sunny American desert, where a group of oddballs and ordinary lonely people converge to accidentally witness something extraordinary. Asteroid City throws a bit of sci-fi into Anderson’s usual mix of comedy, romance, drama, and a poignant mix of melancholy with whimsy.
Now, Anderson fans in Los Angeles and New York City (which together likely comprise nine million coastal Anderson devotees) will be able to experience an extremely unique and special night at the movies, courtesy of Alamo Drafthouse. You can learn more below.
Wes Anderson Pops Up at Alamo Drafthouse
The Landmark theater will be hosting an exclusive pop-up experience at the Sunset 5 in Los Angeles while Alamo Drafthouse will host advanced screenings featuring a live conversation with Anderson and the cast. The press release from Alamo Drafthouse reads as follows:
“The renowned cinema company out of Austin, TX, has a slew of fun planned for Focus Features’ Asteroid City, including advance screenings featuring a live conversation with Wes Anderson and cast, a special, celebratory beer from Delaware-based Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, limited edition Asteroid City vintage themed lunchbox and thermos sets, Chili Supper Screenings featuring a custom Asteroid City themed menu, and custom-designed letterpress postcard giveaways on opening weekend.
Before Asteroid City releases in NYC and LA on June 16th, and nationwide on June 23rd, Alamo Drafthouse will hold exclusive advance screenings at theaters across the country on June 12th, making it the only place for fans to see the film early. Guests of the Brooklyn theater will also be treated to an appearance by Wes Anderson and cast for a live conversation after the screening. Attendees of other Alamo theaters will be able to enjoy the conversation via livestream. Asteroid City tickets are available at drafthouse.com/show/asteroid-city.”
“Alamo Drafthouse will also be expanding its already impressive selection of craft beers with an Asteroid City-themed beer from craft brewery Dogfish Head. Available at select Alamo Drafthouse locations, Asteroid City Lager is brewed with regenerative pilsner malt, tuxpeno corn malt, zuper saazer hops, and mid-20th century Pennsylvania lager yeast for a crisp, clean, and easy-drinking beer.
Fans are encouraged to preorder their own limited-edition lunchbox and thermos with custom Asteroid City art, sold exclusively with tickets from Alamo Drafthouse while supplies last. Only available for purchase online from Wednesday, May 24 to Thursday, June 15th, by 11:59 PM, this unique collectible is perfect for any junior stargazer, space cadet, or anyone else interested in high-quality memorabilia you won’t find anywhere else.
In addition to exclusive Advance Screenings, Alamo Drafthouse will hold special Chili Supper Screenings at select theaters during opening week of Asteroid City. Guests will enjoy a custom, pre-set menu for the screenings, featuring chili, hotdogs, grilled cheese, themed popcorn, and the Alamo Drafthouse/Dogfish Head beer collaboration, Asteroid City Lager. Attendees will be encouraged to show their enthusiasm by dressing up as their favorite Wes Anderson character.”
Be sure to see Asteroid City when it opens in limited theaters on June 16th or when it expands nationwide on June 23rd.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
