Museum of the Moving Image Honors Innovative Musician Lou Reed and Filmmaker Anja Breien

One is Scandinavian. The other was out of this world. But both trailblazing artists are heading to the Museum of the Moving Image. On November 2nd, the Astoria institution pays tribute to recently deceased musician Lou Reed (above) by screening the documentary Berlin. After his 1972 song “Walk on the Wild Side” made him famous, Reed recorded a mournful concept album called “Berlin” in 1973. The initial harsh reviews — Rolling Stone magazine called it a “disaster” — prevented the Brooklyn born songwriter from performing the album live until three decades later, when the tides had turned and it was considered one of Reed’s best. With painter and director Julian Schnabel art-directing, the documentary uses footage from five 2006 performances with the Brooklyn Youth Chorus at DUMBO’s St. Ann’s Warehouse. (Schnabel will introduce the movie in person.) Plus, from November 1st through November 9th, the museum presents a retrospective on filmmaker Anja Breien, featuring six features and a program of shorts with the director in person for some screenings and the opening reception. Highly celebrated in her native Norway but little-known outside, Breien makes political and feminist fiction flicks and documentaries. Her first big one, a critique of the Norwegian judicial system called “Rape,” starts simultaneously at the beginning and the end, working its way into the middle. Her riposte Wives (below) follows three housewives who relinquish family responsibilities for a day. Its sequel featured the same characters played by the same actors 10 years later. See full retrospective schedule here.

Details: Berlin, Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Avenue, Astoria, November 2nd, 7:30 pm, free with admission, $12 adults/$9 seniors and students.

Bonus details: Retrospective on Anja Breien, Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Avenue, Astoria, November 1st through November 9th, times vary, free.

Top photo via Lou Reed/FB; bottom photo via Norwegian Film Institute