It's kinda difficult to take seriously a soundtrack that features components entitled "Jedi Prayer" and "LSD in the Water." Well, British composer Rolfe Kent most likely wouldn't have kept those crazy headings had he expected anybody to stay truly serious while listening. But be assured that Kent, who counts to his credit scores for such astute fare as Sideways and About Schmidt, is indeed serious about his work. At least as serious as the government was when it launched the program that begat The Men Who Stare at Goats.
Unless you've been orbiting some other planet for the past few months you've undoubtedly seen the trailer for Grant Heslov's promising paranormal comedy. Since the flick happens to star George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey, and Jeff Bridges, you've probably already made a note to see the movie. And since Heslov happens to be one half of the writing team behind the much-regarded Good Night, and Good Luck (Clooney is the other half), you've probably checked that note twice.
Goats, which is based upon Jon Ronson's keenly comedic 2004 book (just re-issued by Simon & Schuster Paperbacks), concerns the insanely named First Earth Battalion, a division of U.S. Army that most likely believed in L. Ron Hubbard as much as they did the old Almighty. With its propensity for walking through walls and knocking down goats with nothing but a stare, the unit certainly believed it could do things that only occultists could do, and they trained mightily to do so.
But you don't have to take our word for it, because GenArt, in all its infinite wisdom, is screening The Men Who Stare at Goats tonight. You'll have to be a member, of course; or at least a friend of a member. But considering GenArt is responsible for all kinds of events like this - not to mention some of the best parties in town - membership will be a privilege. Besides, don't you wanna be among the first to see George Clooney as a Jedi Knight?
GenArt Screening Series, The Men Who Stare at Goats. Wednesday, November 4. Regal South Beach, 1120 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Screening starts at 8 p.m. genart.org/screeningseries/the-men-who-stare-at-goats/miami
After Party at Bardot, at the corner of NE 34th Street and North Miami Avenue, Miami. Admission is free. Ages 21+ with ID. 305-576-5570; bardotmiami.com
