LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Film Clips


Jim Broadbent in "The Sense of an Ending," a film based on the Booker Award-winning novel of the same name by Julian Barnes and to be released by CBS Films and Lionsgate Photo provided

Looking for something other than a beast at the movies? Check out "The Sense of an Ending" now playing at the Orinda Theatre. The movie is far different from Disney's mega blockbuster, live-action "Beauty and the Beast."

"The Sense of an Ending," from CBS Films, has a true independent film feel and storyline. In fact, director, Ritesh Batra ("The Lunchbox") recently won the "Directors to Watch" Award at the January Palm Springs International Film Festival.

This film deals with a past that returns to haunt the present. This time, Tom Webster, portrayed by the exceptional actor Jim Broadbent ("Gangs of New York," "Moulin Rouge!") lives a quiet life working at a vintage camera store until one day when he receives a knock at the door. The past has returned to face Tom but is he ready to relive his college years with a tragedy he has suppressed since the 1960s? You may also remember Broadbent for the 2013 Opening Night Film, "Le Weekend" at the California Independent Film Festival.

Director Batra does an excellent job taking the audience from present day to the 1960s. The story, which was adapted from the 2011 Booker Award-winning novel by Julian Barnes, is compelling and first time feature film screenwriter Nick Payne delivers a solid script in a complex story. One line in the movie is "I'm a great believer in time's revenge." This is all that needs to be said.

"The Sense of an Ending" is one of those movies that one should not reveal too much about and let the moviegoer enjoy the experience. It has a PG-13 rating due to adult subject matter, violence, some strong language and sexuality. The TRT (total running time) is one hour and 48 minutes.

Upcoming events at Lamorinda Theatres

1:30 p.m. April 1 - Sci-fi Day #5: See the following classic Sci-fi flicks on the big screen starting with "Tobor the Great" at 1:30 p.m. "The Invisible Boy" follows at 4 p.m. The cult classic "Robot Monster" will be shown at 6:30 p.m. Co-star Pamela Paulson will make her first public appearance in a Q & A hosted by Derek Zemrak.

Admission $10; All day Pass $20

8 p.m. April 13 - Live Comedy at the Orinda Theatre featuring John DiResta: John DiResta is a former New York Transit police officer turned comedian and actor. He is known for his film work in the "Miss Congeniality" films (2000, 2005), "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" (2003) and "15 Minutes" (2001).

Admission: $20