Do the Right Thing (1989) and The Night of the Hunter (1955)

What was the best film you saw at Uni?

Back by popular demand, 'The Best Films You've Never Seen' series returns to The Capitol in 2024, with a powerful pairing: Spike Lee's iconic Do the Right Thing (1989) and Charles Laughton's enduring classic The Night of the Hunter (1955). Ranked #24 and #25 respectively in Sight and Sound Magazine's 100 Greatest Films of All Time list, these extraordinary films were both controversial on initial release, and echo one another in their explorations of morality and violence. 

Come to one or both and enjoy these iconic films on the beautiful big screen at The Capitol.

This unmissable double feature has been curated by Cinema Studies academic Dr. Alexia Kannas.

 

2:30 pm - Do the Right Thing (1989)

Spike Lee writes, directs and stars in this story about racial conflict in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant. On a scorchingly hot summer day, simmering tensions between the neighbourhood's African-American residents and the Italian-American owners of its local pizzeria reach boiling point when a violent altercation leads to tragedy. The film's fine ensemble cast also features Rosie Perez in her screen debut, alongside Samuel L. Jackson and Danny Aiello.

 

6:00 pm - The Night of the Hunter (1955)

Charles Laughton's singular and profoundly influential American thriller stars Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, and screen legend Lillian Gish in the story of two children who must outrun a serial killer posing as a preacher. James Agee's gripping screenplay, based on Davis Grubb's 1953 novel, is brought to life in a film that is equally dark and beautiful, drawing on the styles and themes of film noir, classic fairytales, and German Expressionism of the silent era. Critically derided on its original release, it is now considered one of the greatest American films ever made.

Join us at The Capitol to experience these significant films on the big screen for the first time, or the first time in a long time! They can be enjoyed independently, or as a double feature, and both are accompanied by contextual introductions from RMIT Cinema Studies academics.  

Presented in partnership by RMIT Culture with RMIT Cinema Studies.

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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information