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Smithereens (15)

Part of: The Grime and the Glamour season

,Barbican Cinema 3
Photo still from Smithereens film of woman in sunglasses taking a Polaroid photo

This fresh, thrilling debut feature by director Susan Seidelman follows the triumphs and trials of a New York wannabe, determined to make it big.

Wren (Susan Berman) is a teenage New Jersey punkette freshly arrived in the big city.  

It doesn’t matter that Wren can’t sing, write songs or play an instrument: she’s desperate to make the East Village punk scene, and will latch on opportunistically to anyone who can help her get ahead. Casting aside her nice Montana boy Paul, she sets her sights on punk rocker Eric (former Television guitarist and Voidoids frontman Richard Hell) who turns out every bit as flaky and self-obsessed as she is. 

A film of great, jittery energy, with a blistering soundtrack by The Feelies, Smithereens captures a properly authentic, seedy, downtown vibe, from the dingy locales, right down to the charity shop fashions and dirty Converse. 

Tagged with: Cinema The Grime and the Glamour

US 1982 Dir Susan Seidelman 93 min, 35mm presentation

Please arrive promptly at the advertised start time

Proof of ID may be requested on entry to films, in compliance with BBFC rating

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Barbican Cinema 3

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.