MOVIES

Fairy Tales, Monsters, and the Genetic Imagination, on view in the Upper-Level Galleries from February 24 through May 28, 2012, depicts composite beings and fantastic narratives that are influenced by literary sources from folktales to science fiction. The exhibition explores themes of psychology, identity, and the future. Inspired by this constructed alternate world, the Frist Center, in collaboration with the Nashville Film Festival, has planned a four-part film series— “Unexpected Tales”—which will explore Fairy Tales through fantasy, monsters, and genetic development. The short film preceding the feature will be presented by the Nashville Film Festival.

About the short film:
A terrible industrial accident changes Little Dinki’s life forever. Now, Dinki’s fate may ride on the wings of her eccentric friend Birdboy, a misfit who lives in the Dead Forest lost in his fantasies. Directed by Pedro Rivero, 2010. 12 minutes. DVD. Unrated.

About the feature film:
Two young scientists achieve fame by splicing human DNA with the DNA of different animals to create a new creature. In the process, they ignore society’s ethical and legal boundaries. The scientists name their creature "Dren," which is initially a deformed female infant; however, it rapidly develops into a beautiful, but deadly winged human-chimera. Stars Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley, Abigail Chu, and Delphine Chanéac. Story by Vincenzo Natali and Antoinette Terry Bryant; screenplay by Doug Taylor. Directed by Vincenzo Natali, 2010. 104 minutes. DVD. Rated R.