She Likes to Watch

A writer (Ewan McGregor) and a nightclub performer (Nicole Kidman) fall into love in "Moulin Rouge."

Today’s films include “Moulin Rouge,” “The Most Dangerous Man in America”

Today’s offerings for the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival include thoughtful documentaries, thrilling dramas and an awe-inspiring musical.

The evening reaches its climax with a screening of the documentary “The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers.”

In 1971, Daniel Ellsberg leaked 7,000 pages of classified documents to The New York Times — revealing how four administrations and five presidents had lied to the American people about the Vietnam War. The ensuing scandal inspired debates, lawsuits and political protest, leading directly to Watergate and the downfall of the Nixon adminstration.

Daniel Ellsberg and co-director Judith Ehrlich are scheduled to attend tonight’s screening.

“The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers” screens at 7 p.m. tonight at Downtown Centre Cinemas, 888 Marsh St. in San Luis Obispo. Tickets are $7 to $9.

Read on for more fantastic films.

***

The plight of the Asian elephant, the most sacred animal in Thailand, is highlighted in “The Last Elephants in Thailand”

Directed by Michelle Mizner and Donald Tayloe, the documentary focuses on the Bangkok Elephant Hospital, where injured and abused domestic elephants are treated.  Learn more about these  wonderful creatures.

“The Last Elephants in Thailand” airs at 1 p.m. today at The Palm Theatre,817 in  San Luis Obispo. There’s a repeat screening at 7 p.m. at Joe Momma’s Coffee, 310 Front St. in Avila Beach.

Tickets are $7 to $9.

***

Everything is on the line in “Bicycle Dreams.”

The documentary follows a group of road racing enthusiasts competing in the challenging endurance race known as Ride Across America (RAAM).  They start in San Diego and head for Atlantic City, going 36 or more hours without sleeping, breaks or stopovers in an attempt to master the race.

“Bicycle Dreams” screens at 4 p.m. at the Palm Theatre in San Luis Obispo. It repeats at 7 p.m. at La Perla Del Mar, 205 Windward Ave. in Shell Beach.

Tickets are $7 to $9.

***

Filmmakers Emily and Sarah Kunstler explore the life of their father, a radical civil rights lawyer, in “William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe.”

In the 1960s and 70s, Kunstler fought for civil rights with Martin Luther King Jr. He represented the famed “Chicago 8″ activists, the rioting inmates of Attica prison and the American Indians who took on the federal government at Wounded Knee.

He also represented some of the most reviled members of society, such as rapists and assassins.

“William Kunstler”  reveals a man who risked public outrage and personal safety for the sake of justice.

“William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe” screens at 4 p.m. at the Palm Theatre. It repeats at 7 p.m. at the Pavilion on the Lake, 9315 Pismo Ave. in Atascadero.

Tickets are $7 to #9.

***

An evening of magic, music and romance takes place in Paso Robles tonight.

“A Night at the Moulin Rouge” begins with a wine tasting reception at Vina Robles Winery, complete with appetizers and arias by local opera singers promoting the upcoming Opera San Luis Obispo production of “La Boheme.”

Then guests can dine on desserts and coffee at bistro tables while enjoying one of the most awe-inspiring musical films ever made — Oscar nominee “Moulin Rouge.”

The film follows a penniless writer (Ewan McGregor) who falls for with a beautiful courtesan (Nicole Kidman). Their forbidden love flowers amidst the glitz, glamour and excitement of fin de siecle Paris.

“A Night at the Moulin Rouge” begins at 6 p.m. at Vina Robles Winery, 3700 Mill Rd. in Paso Robles. Tickets are $30 to $40.

***

If you love “The Sopranos,” you’ll love “The End” — a true-life exposé of London’s criminal underworld.

First time-filmmaker Nicola Collins explores the lives of her father and his friends –  infamous criminals who shaped London’s East End into a violent underworld in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s. Unashamed and unapologetic, these men were ruled by a bloody code of honor.

“The End” screens at 7 p.m. at the Palm Theatre in San Luis Obispo.

***

Sara Ballard becomes trapped inside her suburban home by the sudden onset of agoraphobic fear in “Solitary. ”

Adding to Sara’s anxiety is the mysterious disappearance of her husband, Mark, whom she believes is conspiring to drive her crazy.  Her only hope lies with her estranged sister and an enigmatic psychiatrist. But can they be trusted?

Sara’s journey into her darkest fears makes for a stunning psychological thriller.

“Solitary” screens at 9 p.m. at the Palm Theatre in San Luis Obispo. Tickets are $7 to $9.

***

Is it possible to live off Craigslist for a month? Filmmaker Joe Garner decides to find out in “Craigslist Joe.”

In search of compassion and community, the 29-year-old sets out to see if he can survive for 31 days relying only on people he meets through the virtual community that is Craigslist.

From transportation to food, from shelter to companionship, Joe depends on the goodwill of perfect strangers. Along the way, he’s overwhelmed with the generosity and care of a lively group of real-life characters.

“Craigslist Joe” screens at 9 p.m. at Downtown Centre Cinemas in San Luis Obispo. Tickets are $7 to $9.