A Major Retrospective of Film Director John Carpenter at the American Cinematheque

   The series, entitled “Escape Artist: A Tribute to John Carpenter,” starts with “Assault on Precinct 13,” on Friday, January 25 at 7:30 p.m., which will play with “Dark Star,” from 1974. Carpenter will be on hand for a discussion between films.
   Saturday brings the best night of the series with the screening of what is easily one of Carpenter’s best, “The Thing,” from 1982, which will start at 5 p.m., and will be followed by a double feature of his most famous film, “Halloween,” at 8 p.m., starring Jamie Lee Curtis, and “The Fog,” from 1980, which will be introduced by Carpenter.
   The series continues on Sunday with “Escape From New York” at 5 p.m., followed by “Big Trouble, Little China,” one of “Sex and the City’s” Kim Catrall’s earliest roles. Catrall stars alongside Carpenter regular, Kurt Russell.
   Wednesday’s bill includes the Jeff Bridges sci-fi pic, “Starman,” followed by “In the Mouth of Madness,” starting at 7:30 p.m.
   On Thursday, January 31, at 7:30 p.m., is the underrated “They Live,” which will screen with Carpenter’s most recent film, “Ghost of Mars.”
   All films are separate admission, except those linked as double features. There will be a five minute break between films on double bills.
   American Cinematheque at the Egyptian, 1800 N. Highland in Hollywood. For more information, call (323) 466-FILM, or visit: www.egyptiantheatre.com.