Braw Cinema Club #77 - Strange Days (1995)

“Memories were meant to fade, Lenny… they’re designed that way for a reason”

The Braw Cinema Club is back again on May 15th with one of my favourite films of the 90s, Kathryn Bigelow’s cyberpunk thriller- STRANGE DAYS.

On the eve of the millennium in a dystopian LA, former policeman Lenny Nero has moved into a more lucrative trade: the illegal sale of virtual reality-like recordings that allow users to experience the emotions and past experiences of others. While they typically contain tawdry incidents, Nero is shocked when he receives one showing a murder. Without getting too into the plot, there’s quite a lot of subject matter (VR, tech addiction, race, police corruption) covered throughout Strange Days which is still on point 30 years later.

With a neurotic lead performance from Ralph Fiennes as Lenny – and a scene stealing part by the always excellent Angela Bassett, SD was actually a huge flop upon release in 1995 but has since become a video shop cult classic. Jam packed with a supporting cast of 90s favs, some very intense action and a killer soundtrack – notably one scene of Juliette Lewis covering PJ Harvey’s ‘I Can Hardly Wait’. Plus it has one of my favourite film openings which needs to be seen to be believed.

Kick off 7.30pm, free entry!

(Trigger warning, there are scenes of s3xual violence in this film)

You may also like the following events from Braw Gigs:

• Next month, 7th June, 11:00 pm, Braw Gigs Presents: JD Twitch (So Low/Optimo) + discjocelyne in Edinburgh
• This July, 13th July, 07:30 pm, Braw Gigs Presents: Bride + Guests in Edinburgh
• This September, 5th September, 07:30 pm, Braw Gigs & Fuzz Bat Present: Hayden Pedigo + Guests in Edinburgh

Also check out other Entertainment events in Edinburgh, Sports events in Edinburgh.