Prolific and virtuosic, Johnnie To is the best director you (maybe) haven’t heard of. 2007’s Mad Detective, To’s 47th movie since his 1980 debut, is an unhinged showcase for his skills. Intricately staged action, goofy comedy, and a love for Hollywood musicals and the French New Wave mark all To’s films to varying extents, but Mad Detective has it all.

It’s about Bun, a psychic ex-cop who can see spirits. Bun’s brought back in to find out what happened to a missing cop. The plot doesn’t get much more complicated; instead To and his longtime collaborator Wai Ka-Fai pile on a bunch of off-kilter philosophy and wild stylistic flourishes. And fair warning: To’s shootouts will spoil you. You will not be able to return to the gray wasteland of other “action” movies after this. You will be ascended.

FILM Screening: Johnnie To’s Mad Detective (2007)
Tuesday, June 19th, 2018 8:30pm Showtime Florida Museum of Photographic Arts 400 N Ashley Drive, Cube 200, Tampa, Florida 33602 $7 Film + Museum Museum Members Free