Based on a true story… Beatles fans will recognize the title of this film as a line from the band’s classic tune, “Strawberry Fields Forever.” John Lennon began writing the song in Almeria, Spain, in September and October of 1966, while he was filming Richard Lester’s How I Won The War. Spain was still under the authoritarian rule of the dictator Francisco Franco, with conflict brewing between an older fearful generation and the younger one, anxious to live more freely.

In Living Is Easy with Eyes Closed, Lennon’s presence in southern Spain stirs things up, especially for Antonio (Javier Cámara), who is a teacher and a Beatles fan. He uses the band’s lyrics to help his students learn English. Knowing that John Lennon is making a film not far away, Antonio resolves to meet him. On the road, he picks up two young runaways: Belén (Natalia de Molina), a pregnant girl fleeing a convent, and Juanjo (Francesc Colomer), a boy escaping a tyrannical father. 
All three are rebels in their way, and soon unite for Antonio’s mission. For the three of them, Lennon becomes a symbol of freedom and also an aspiration, and their adventure seems to represent Spain’s newly-awakening hope for a better future. Once in Almeria, however, meeting the Beatle proves elusive…will Antonio ever get face-to-face with his idol?

Almodóvar regular Javier Cámara as teacher and Beatlemaniac Antonio in LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED

Although Living Is Easy was directed by David Trueba, if you’re a fan of another Spaniard, Pedro Almodóvar, this film’s lead, Javier Cámara, will look familiar. Almodóvar and Cámara worked together on I’m So Excited, Talk To Her, Bad Education, and The Secret Life of Words. Cámara won Spain’s Academy Award, the Goya, for Best Actor for Living Is Easy. The film also won the Goyas for Best Film, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best New Actress, and Best Original Score (listen here). In short, we are bringing you the best in contemporary Spanish filmmaking…don’t miss it.

Living Is Easy with Eyes Closed
Comedy, drama – NR – 108 min – Tickets $8 - Get tickets online
Fri, Jan. 30: 7:00 p.m.
Sat, Jan. 31: 7:00
Sun, Feb. 1: 5:00
Mon, Feb. 2: 7:00
Tues, Feb. 3: 5:00
Weds, Feb. 4: 7:00
Thurs, Feb. 5: 7:00