Rope

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, 1948
PG; 80 minutes

Just before hosting a dinner party, Philip Morgan (Farley Granger) and Brandon Shaw (John Dall) strangle a mutual friend to death with a piece of rope, purely as a Nietzsche-inspired philosophical exercise. Hiding the body in a chest upon which they then arrange a buffet dinner, the pair welcome their guests, including the victim's oblivious fiancée (Joan Chandler) and the college professor (James Stewart) whose lectures inadvertently inspired the killing.

In concert with the special exhibition Alex Da Corte: The Whale, the Modern is excited to present the Alex Da Corte Film Series, in partnership with the My Favorite Films series. Select screenings will be accompanied by a newly recorded video discussion with Artist Alex Da Corte.

Curated by Da Corte, the films in this series span eras and genres, ranging from late 1940s Hitchcock to 1990s postmodern horror. Although the genres vary, each film plays with similar themes that intersect with Da Corte’s own work: color theory, subversion of forms and tropes, identity and persona, sex, and power. This curated series invites viewers to take the art outside of the theater or gallery and continue the conversation between the films and the exhibition.

The “My Favorite Films” series features tales of romance, humor, suspense, satire, and heroism with films since 1945. These films may hold special memories for you—no matter how many times you see them, they continue to draw you in once more. While many of these films are available through streaming, it's always more fun to see them in the theatre.

This July, join us as we explore the human condition and the intricacies of interpersonal relationships in this month’s film series.

Make a day of it at the Modern and include extra time to visit the galleries. Enjoy lunch in Café Modern and then settle in for an afternoon screening, or plan for a coffee break afterwards with fellow film enthusiasts.

Screenings are at 2 pm most Wednesdays in the auditorium. Tickets are $5 (FREE for Modern members) and are available at the Museum’s admission desk or online here.