The Connection(The Connection)

Adapted from Jack Gelber's provocative off-Broadway play, Shirley Clarke’sgroundbreaking feature debut follows a group of junkies, including jazzmusicians, waiting anxiously for their drug dealer in a New York loft, while afilmmaker, played by William Redfield, tries to document their lives trapped indesperation. Clarke skillfully combines Beat dialogue and jazz music by pianistFreddie Redd, creating a captivating and kinetic cinematic experience. Despitefacing censorship for its indecent language upon release, The Connection fearlessly confronts the harsh reality of drug addiction and stands as a seminalwork within the American independent film movement.

Preserved by the UCLA Film & Television Archive with funding provided by the Film Foundation.

6/7 (Sat): Film talk with Bryan Chang