African-American filmmaker Charles Burnett comes to Houston today to introduce the brand-spanking-new directorยs cut of his 1983 flick, My Brotherยs Wedding, once again playing at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The story follows two estranged brothers. Pierce still lives in South Central L.A. where they grew up; Wendall became a lawyer and moved away. On the day of his brotherยs nuptials, Pierce must decide if he will attend his brotherยs snooty wedding or his best friendยs shabby funeral.
Burnett will screen a new re-edited version of Wedding. Itยs something of a rarity: Unlike many directors, Burnett didnยt add new, previously unseen footage to the film, but instead excised about 35 minutes from it. (Both versions are included in the DVD set.) A filmmaker revisiting one of his movies only to shorten it? Now do you see why so many of us film nerds are glad that Burnett is back in our lives? He will appear at todayยs screening and hang around afterwards to answer questions and chit-chat. Screenings are at 7 p.m. today and tomorrow. 1001 Bissonnet. For information, call 713-639-7300 or visit www.mfah.org. $6 to $7.
Sat., Feb. 2, 7 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 3, 7 p.m., 2008
This article appears in Jan 31 – Feb 6, 2008.
