The Best Old Movies on a Big Screen This Week: NYC Repertory Cinema Picks, April 26-May 2
Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains (1982)
Directed by Lou Adler
Teen angst has never been more electrifying than in Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous, the punk rock cult classic that made red eyeshadow the trademark look of female rebellion and inspired a generation of real-life Riot Grrrl bands. “I’m perfect but nobody in this shithole gets me, because I don’t put out!” a young Diane Lane can be seen snarling—and challenging the male gaze—as Corinne “Third Degree” Burns, lead singer of fictional teen-girl trio The Stains (Marin Kanter and a newly-emancipated-from-Diane-Ladd Laura Dern round out the band). The plot may remain fuzzy but this coming-of-age picture from Lou Adler (who, in real life, managed Carole King and The Mamas & the Papas) remains memorable for capturing the punk ethos, including the fact that all three of the Stains can’t play music for shit—but who cares when they’ve nailed the fashion and attitude? Lane, at just 15 years old, is already a superstar here—her spirit of disenfranchised youth is magnetic (and familiar). Kristen Yoonsoo Kim (April 27, 9:30pm at the Alamo Drafthouse)