Tuesday nights, Xingfu Lu’s Dada Bar converts from a hip dive bar into a makeshift movie theater – its red pleather couches, typically arranged around black coffee tables, attentively face the back wall of the room that doubles as the movie screen. Order a beer and a bucket of popcorn will also be thrust into your hands. Don’t be afraid to come alone as many other patrons choose to attend individually. 

On offer last Tuesday was David Cronenberg’s “Naked Lunch”. The film is loosely based around the book Naked Lunch and the life of its author, William S. Burroughs. The rather bizarre plot follows an exterminator who becomes addicted to his bug poison, begins to violently hallucinate and then kills his wife in a botched William Tell gag. He flees to the fictional city of Interzone where he begins taking orders from his typewriter, which is also a giant bug. Believe it or not, the movie is much easier to follow than the book – though that’s not saying much. 

Prior to the start of the film, a short introduction is given by one of the organizers. The atmosphere served the screening of a movie very well, with movie-goers respectfully keeping silent throughout the viewing. Sub-Cinema at Dada Bar is a rare chance in Shanghai to participate in some film geekiness, all the while enjoying a beer or two and free popcorn. The night is on-going every Tuesday night at 9pm. Admission is free.