Includes a screening of American Graffiti and conversation with director Rian Johnson, moderated by Jen Yamato

Before he completed the latest installment of the Star Wars saga, writer/director Rian Johnson made his name with three independent features that teemed with activity and menace. His debut film Brick, a film noir set in the halls of a high school made a star of the filmmaker (and finally put the lead, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, on the map). Their second collaboration was the post-apocalyptic thriller Looper, in which Levitt played a younger version of Bruce Willis. For our “An Evening With…”, Johnson selected a film that had a formative impact on him, and it’s a George Lucas film that isn’t Star Wars: 1972’s American Graffiti, which is packed with characters and events. After Graffiti plays, Johnson will explore Lucas’ influence beyond “a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…”

American Graffiti
1973, 110 minutes, Color, 35mm | Written by George Lucas, Gloria Katz and Willard Huyck; directed by George Lucas; with Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard and Paul Le Mat

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Ticketing Information

$15 for Film Independent and LACMA Film Club members. Members of these two groups can purchase tickets starting at 12:00 pm on Thursday, December 14. Limit two tickets per membership. Proof of member status is required to reserve tickets during advance reservation period.

$20 for LACMA members, students with valid ID and seniors (65+); $25 for the general public. Members of these four groups can purchase tickets starting at 12:00 pm on Thursday, December 21. Two ticket limit.

PLEASE NOTE: Pre-reserved tickets for this event can be picked up at LACMA’s Ticket Office, located in the Hammer Building, on the day of the event—as early as 11 am. Tickets are for general, unreserved seating. Ticketed guests must be in their seat at the advertised start time of the event or seat(s) may be released. All ticket sales are final; no refunds or exchanges. Program and guest participation subject to change or cancellation without prior notice. Tickets are nontransferable and can only be picked up by the individual who purchased or reserved them.