Campus Film Series

The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

Thursday-Sunday, January 31-February 3
Davies Theatre | 6pm & 8:30pm

There’s more drama in this small documentary than in most serious Oscar contenders. A marriage is on the line, integrity is tested, and friendships falter - all in the name of a video game called Donkey Kong. The King of Kong may inspire both tears and frustrated sighs, but it’s most remarkable for its humor. Billy Mitchell is a towering figure in the world of classic video games such as Donkey Kong and Pac-Man. He has held records in several games, and his high score in Donkey Kong (considered the toughest of the old titans) has been unbeaten for decades. But newcomer Steve Wiebe finds purpose in the game after losing his job, and discovering his natural Donkey Kong aptitude. While Steve is an audience favorite, Billy is a Machiavellian mastermind that rivals any villain from a narrative film. The two duel for the high score to be included in the 2007 Guinness Book of World Records. “It's all true — every magical, exhilarating, infuriating, dumbfounding, jaw-dropping second of Gordon’s miniature masterpiece” (Village Voice).

USA 2007 | 79min | color | PG-13 | Directed by Seth Gordon | UAC

Official Site: www.billyvssteve.com