In this little-seen blend of documentary and fiction recalling Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Part One, Martha Coolidge’s Not a Pretty Picture details the director’s own sexual assault, while attempting to process it in a feature film version with young actors. Not a Pretty Picture oscillates between a dramatic reenactment of the events leading to Martha’s assault and the behind the scenes rehearsal process between the real Coolidge and her cast. While it is, of course, a tough sit, the film is deeply compelling and audacious. There are few films able to pull something like this off, and I’m glad the restoration is getting a proper release at the Brattle.

In addition to Not a Pretty Picture, the Brattle is also screening a selection of some of Martha Coolidge’s best films. Valley Girl screens at 8:30 on Friday the 8th, while Rambling Rose and Real Genius screen Saturday the 9th. Real Genius is best known as an early Val Kilmer success, while Rambling Rose netted Laura Dern and her mother Diane Ladd Oscar nominations. Rambling Rose is also a completely bugnuts movie that must be seen to be believed. And what better way to witness it than on an extremely rare 35mm print at the Brattle? There will be a post-film discussion with Strictly Brohibited as well!

Not a Pretty Picture
Dir. Martha Coolidge
1976
83 min

Screening at the Brattle Friday, 3/8 through Sunday, 3/10 – click here for showtimes and ticket info!