'The Comedy' screens at IU Cinema

Filmmaker Rick Alverson’s latest film, “The Comedy,” is not what the title suggests.

It is more representative of the lack of comedy in the main character’s life rather than the laughter that could ensue.

The 94-minute film will play at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 and 14 at the IU Cinema.

Alverson, who has made four feature films with local independent label Jagjaguwar, is scheduled to be present at all screenings.

The screening is part of IU Cinema’s International Arthouse Series, which began with the widely successful “Beasts of the Southern Wild” in August.

“Comedy” features Swanson, the main character played by Tim Heidecker, a 35-year-old hipster living in Brooklyn who is about to inherit his father’s estate.

Living in a dilapidated boat house, Swanson spends his time with friends whose lives are equally aimless, drinking lots of Pabst Blue Ribbon and trying his hand at a job.

Little happens in this self-contained movie, and the scenes are long, but the viewer is able, if begrudgingly, to empathize with Swanson.

Alverson, also a musician from Richmond, Va., has directed “The Builder” (2010) and “New Jerusalem” (2011).

“The Comedy” appeared at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize for dramas.

— Jaclyn Lansbery