The Polygon Gallery screens Dennis Hopper's cult classic Out of the Blue, January 6

Vancouver-shot film captures a distinct moment in this city’s punk-rock history

The Polygon Gallery screens Out of the Blue on January 6 at 7 pm

DENNIS HOPPER considered his Vancouver-shot cult hit Out of the Blue a sequel to Easy Rider, but the film also holds a cherished spot in local punk-rock lore.

Among its other claims to fame, the 1983 film features the legendary Pointed Sticks, whom the late Hopper shot at the storied Viking Hall on Hastings Street. In the film, rebel teen Cebe (the amazing Linda Manz) drums for the band, having run away to Vancouver’s punk scene. And who can blame her? Her father, Don Barnes (Hopper himself, in fine, manic form), is an ex-con-truck-drunk-driver-turned-dump-worker, while her mother (Sharon Farrell) is a drug-addicted waitress.

Other fun facts: Out of the Blue takes its title and several songs from Neil Young and Crazy Horse’s 1979 LP Rust Never Sleeps. You’ll get nostalgic spotting late great Vancouver spots like the Ridge Theatre and Varsity Lanes, lost long ago to condo towers. And note Canadian icon Raymond Burr as Cebe’s court-appointed psychologist.

In all, it’s a warped masterpiece of late-'70s-early-'80s alienation, family dysfunction, and punk nihilism—and a dark and anarchically chaotic ode to an extraordinary time and place. Don’t miss the chance to relive it in 4K restoration in the Polygon’s luxe screening room—seats are limited.

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Janet Smith

Janet Smith is an award-winning arts journalist who has spent more than two decades immersed in Vancouver’s dance, screen, design, theatre, music, opera, and gallery scenes. She sits on the Vancouver Film Critics’ Circle.

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