Matador (R 18+) 40th Anniversary PRESENTED IN 35MM FILM

Matador (R 18+, 1986) 40th Anniversary Presented in 35mm Film by The Revival House Perth in partnership with RAC

Danny Wright (Greg Kinnear) is a struggling Denver businessman whose life is falling apart—his company is failing and he's still grieving the death of his young son. On a business trip to Mexico City, Danny meets Julian Noble (Pierce Brosnan), a burned-out hitman experiencing a mid-life crisis and losing his nerve for killing. Despite their vastly different worlds, the two lonely men form an unlikely friendship over drinks. Julian, desperate for human connection after years of isolation, reveals his profession and even brings Danny along to observe a hit. Six months later, when Julian's life spirals completely out of control and powerful people want him dead, he arrives unannounced at Danny's suburban home, begging for help with one final job. Danny must decide whether to aid his dangerous friend or protect the comfortable life he's rebuilt with his wife Bean (Hope Davis).

Writer-director Richard Shepard creates a darkly comic character study disguised as a thriller. Pierce Brosnan subverts his James Bond image brilliantly, playing Julian as a vulgar, disheveled mess in a Speedo, chain-smoking and spiraling toward oblivion. The 2005 film works because of the genuine friendship between these mismatched men—Kinnear brings decency and desperation to Danny, making his moral dilemma credible. Hope Davis provides grounded warmth as Bean, who somehow accepts this bizarre situation. The Mexico City locations add sun-baked atmosphere, while the film balances dark humor with surprising emotional depth. It's a small, character-driven film that trusts its actors and refuses to follow conventional thriller formulas, finding humanity in the most unlikely assassin story.

Original format and audio experience of this film faithfully reproduced by The Revival House. Presented in 35mm film unless noted otherwise.

When: Sunday, June 21st at 2:00PM
Where: The Revival House at the Como Theatre
Rating: R 18+ (The content is high in impact)

Brosnan sheds Bond for a brilliantly vulgar hitman - experience Shepard's darkly comic character study in 35mm film.

Presented by: The Revival House Perth and RAC