Big Time starring Tom Waits April 17, 2008

Long unavailable on film and video since its original release in 1988, Tom Waits’ legendary musical receives a single celebratory screening of the only 35mm print in existence! Directed by Chris Blum from an original stage show conceived by Kathleen Brennan and Tom Waits, it is much more than a concert film. In this surreal cabaret, Waits portrays a rogues’ gallery of characters tangled in the pipe dream of show business success. As director Blum says, “With Tom, there’s a combination of so many styles—there’s vaudeville, burlesque, minstrel man, lounge performer, soulful balladeer, there’s some mime, there’s even some kabuki.” Staged at the Warfield Theater in San Francisco and the Wiltern in Los Angeles, the film draws its songs from the albums Swordfishtrombones, Rain Dogs and Franks Wild Years, with such classics as “Cold Cold Ground,” “Straight to the Top,” and “Innocent When You Dream.” Featured musicians performing with Waits are Michael Blair, Ralph Carney, Greg Cohen, Marc Ribot and Willie Schwarz. Rated PG. Director: Chris Blum. (US 1988) 87 min.

As a special added attraction, this program also includes a 15-minute compilation of rare videos and promos that director Chris Blum created with Tom Waits in support of Rain Dogs and Franks Wild Years. All in all, a rare vintage serving of Tom Waits, unseen for years! Total program 102 min.

Official Website: http://www.cafilm.org