BEN STILLER: AN AMERICAN CINEMATHEQUE RETROSPECTIVE

The American Cinematheque is proud to present this retrospective celebrating acclaimed filmmaker Ben Stiller, one of Hollywood’s most successful multi-hyphenates. Presented with the AC’s annual award in 2012, Stiller was cited as a “comedy icon whose wide-ranging talents include acting, directing, writing and producing”. A decade later, his global box office stands at nearly $3 billion, making him one of the highest-grossing stars of all time. He is also one of the most versatile, effortlessly moving between major movie franchises, critically acclaimed arthouse hits, and television.

Stiller joins us in person to discuss the Apple TV+ series SEVERANCE, the latest from his production company, Red Hour. Adam Scott stars in the new workplace thriller, set at a company whose employees have undergone a severance procedure to surgically divide their memories between their work and personal lives. “It’s about life and human nature,” says director and executive producer Stiller of the series, nominated for 14 Primetime Emmys. “Our characters are fitting into workplace molds, getting coffees, working on reports, bantering, etc. However they have no idea who they are or what they are even doing. At all.”

As a film director, Stiller’s body of work includes the cult comedy ZOOLANDER and its sequel, in which he also starred; the iconic indie REALITY BITES starring Winona Ryder and Ethan Hawke; the dark comedy THE CABLE GUY starring Jim Carrey; and THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY, which was named one of the Top 10 Films of 2013 by the National Board of Review.