The American Cinematheque will present a retrospective for celebrated actor and Palisadian Ray Liotta. The series starts Tuesday, October 11, and runs through Saturday, October 22 at the Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica, and Los Feliz 3, 1822 N. Vermont Avenue.
The series includes films with some of Liotta’s most memorable performances, and features special guests including Dennis Lehane and James Mangold, who share memories of artistic collaborations with the late actor.
As American Cinematheque wrote “Ray Liotta stumbled into acting almost by accident as a student at the University of Miami but there was nothing accidental about his success. Being proactive about his career and filling his time with study during lean years made him one of the most respected performers of the last several decades. As he noted about his approach to his craft during a 2002 appearance at the Cinematheque, ‘This is all about the imagination. The imagination is like a muscle – the more you use it the stronger it’s going to get.’”
Although Liotta started in soap operas, it was his role as Melanie Griffith’s violent ex in “Something Wild” that started his Hollywood career.
He was cast in leading roles in “Dominick and Eugene” and in Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas.” His performance was opposite Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci. The film was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar.
He made “Cop Land” and “Identity” with director James Mangold. Liotta won an Emmy in 2005 for his guest appearance in “ER.”
The new limited series “Black Bird” from Apple TV+ features one of his most acclaimed final roles: James “Big Jim” Keene, a father in failing health whose imprisoned son is offered a dangerous deal.
On October 15, at 5 p.m. a question-and-answer discussion about Liotta’s career will be held with “Black Bird” showrunner Dennis Lehane, moderated by Tim Grierson. The screening will begin with “Black Bird” Episode 103. The event is free, but people must RSVP – first come, first served. The RSVP does not guarantee a seat.
That will be followed by “Goodfellas.”
To see the complete listing and reserve tickets, click here.