Albert Brooks at Film Society of Lincoln Center

Albert Brooks, who appeared at the Film Society of Lincoln Center on January 8.

Albert Brooks, comedian, actor, writer and movie director appeared at the Film Society of Lincoln Center on Sunday, January 8 to discuss his career.  It was an evening of film clips, stories, anecdotes; an event that presented a varied and comprehensive look at Brooks’ work acting in the films of other directors, including Martin Scorsese, Sidney Lumet, Steven Soderbergh, James L. Brooks (no relation) and others. Brooks was interviewed by Scott Foundas, Associate Program Director for the Film Society.   The event took place at the Walter Reade Theatre.

Hugo

Chloe Grace Moretz and Asa Butterfield in "Hugo"

I never thought I would be taking a 10-year-old to a Martin Scorsese movie.  Do not get me wrong.  I am a devoted Scorsese fan who usually attends his movies on opening days.  However his films usually deal with adult themes not appropriate for a child: “Taxi Driver,” “Raging Bull,” “The Departed,” “Casino,” “Goodfellas.”  Plus, Scorsese’s films can be really violent.  So what was I doing taking my 10 year old nephew, Jack, to the Ziegfeld Theatre last Friday to see Scorsese’s latest movie “Hugo?”  Well, for one thing, Jack was already a step ahead of me having actually read the book on which the movie is based, “The Invention of Hugo Cabret,” by Brian Selznick.

In this day and age of dumb movies for kids, such as “Happy Feet 2” (in IMAX 3-D no less) and “Jack and Jill,” featuring Adam Sandler in a dress, how great that Scorsese has made a film for children (and adults) that is exciting, smart, does not talk down to them and respects their intelligence.  As if this is not enough, “Hugo” is a visually stunning and magical film that deals with complex themes about the role of the artist.   The story involves a mystery, the investigation of which provides the audience with a brief education on the early days of cinema.  All this and it is in 3-D too.