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Play It As It Lays (18)

New Suns: A Feminist Literary Festival

,Barbican Cinema 2
Play It As It Lays

'I know what nothing means, and keep on playing.' An ultra-rare screening of the 1972 adaptation of Joan Didion’s cult novel, starring Tuesday Weld and Anthony Perkins.

Maria Wayeth (Tuesday Weld) is unravelling. Her only child’s in a care home; her marriage to an up-and-coming director is on the rocks. Drifting through a succession of ghoulish Hollywood parties and empty affairs, her only moments of pleasure come from speeding along the motorway in her lemon-yellow convertible. Only her closeted-gay best friend B.Z. (Anthony Perkins) understands.

Adapted by Joan Didion from her own novel, much of the voiceover narration and dialogue comes direct from the book; Maria’s shattered sensibility is rendered for the screen as a jumbled mosaic of scenes. It’s all undeniably dated, but deliciously so: think skinny-rib polo necks, ponchos, and glorious wooden beach-front houses.

Tagged with: Cinema New Suns: A Feminist Literary Festival

US 1972 Dir Frank Perry 99 min 35mm Presentation

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Barbican Cinema 2

Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue. 

Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.