Surreal cult comedy THE SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD (2003)
January 29, 2026 : 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
“Hilariously odd and prodigiously inventive, it springs from the eccentric mind of Guy Maddin, whose delirious visions have earned this singular Canadian filmmaker an international cult following.” – Newsweek
Only the mind of Guy Maddin could conjure up THE SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD, in which a double-amputee beer baroness who wears aquarium legs filled with ale (Isabella Rossellini) invites musicians of all nations to compete in a grand competition to find the world’s most sorrowful tune. And if all that weren’t weird enough for you, the film also packs in sleepwalkers, nymphomaniacs, a talking tapeworm, and hockey teams who break into spontaneous serenades. The only thing zanier than the plot is Maddin’s style, a delirious jumble of silent-film Expressionism, pre-Code-era camp, and a surreally comic tone all Maddin’s own. Kids in the Hall star Mark McKinney is hilarious as the fast-talking swindler representing America, while Isabella Rossellini is truly delicious as the “Beer Queen of the Prairie.” Criminally underseen since it’s initial release, THE SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD is a true gem for lovers of the wonderfully outlandish and hilariously bizarre.
Theater Policies
- All seats are first-come, first-served.
- The theater opens 30 minutes prior to showtime, except for “Happy Hour” events and pre-shows when the theater opens at the listed start time.
- All ages are welcome at Arkadin except for Drinkolas Cage events, which are restricted to 21+. We follow the MPAA rating guidelines for all other films.
- Tickets can be purchased using the BUY TICKETS link above. Upon ordering, you will receive a confirmation email from Square. Tickets may also be purchased on the day of the show at the concession counter.
- If you’ve purchased advance tickets, when you arrive, please give your name at the concession counter to check in.
- Tickets are returnable by sending a request through the contact form located on our About Us page prior to showtime.
- When an event is sold out, we reserve the right to release open seats to customers on the waitlist. If you have a pre-purchased ticket and arrive late and there is no seat for you, your ticket will be refunded.
- All screenings are held in our indoor theater unless indicated otherwise in the event description above.
- Please respect your fellow movie-goers by remaining quiet and refraining from using your cell phone throughout the screening.
