Dark comedy filmmaker to visit IU Cinema

If you’re looking for a feel-good rom com, don’t watch a Todd Solondz film.

Popular for his depiction of stark thought-provoking satire, Solondz will deliver a Jorgensen Guest Filmmaker Lecture 3 p.m. Friday at the IU Cinema followed by screenings of four of his films.

Solondz is expected to be present during screenings for his latest film “Dark Horse” as well as “Welcome to the Dollhouse.”

Born in 1959 in Newark, N.J., Solondz grew up in the suburbs and studied film at New York University, where he made several short films, including “Schatt’s Last Shot.” The short scored him a three-picture deal with 20th Century Fox Studios.

His first feature film, “Fear, Anxiety & Depression,” turned him away from filmmaking for years, prompting a career change.

After teaching English as a second language to Russian immigrants in New York City, Solondz went back to filmmaking and directed “Welcome to the Dollhouse.” The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and an award at the International Berlin Film Festival.

Two more films followed, cementing Solondz as a creator of suburban settings contrasted with dark comedy.

His visit to the IU campus is sponsored by the Ove W. Jorgensen Foundation.
Film tickets are $3 each, but attendance for his lecture is free.

Showtimes

“Dark Horse” (2011)
6:30 p.m. Friday

“Welcome to the Dollhouse” (1995)
 9:30 p.m. Friday

“Happiness” (1998)
 6:30 p.m. Saturday

“Life During Wartime” (2009)
9:30 p.m. Saturday

- Jaclyn Lansbery