“When I’m in the mountains, life is so incredibly simple. After a big climb you appreciate everything,” says climber Marc-André Leclerc. “The Alpinist,” opening at Lincoln Theater this Friday, is hailed by critics as “stunning,” “mesmerizing,” and “jaw-dropping,” and tackles the razors edge between the genius and madness of mountain climbing. Don’t miss it on the big screen.

“The Card Counter” - (R; 1 hour, 51 minutes) -  Written and directed by Schrader, The Card Counter follows William Tell (Oscar Isaac), a gambler and former serviceman who sets out to reform a young man seeking revenge on a mutual enemy from their past. Tell, who just wants to play cards, sees a chance at redemption through his relationships going from casino to casino until they set their sights on winning the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. But keeping on the straight-and-narrow proves impossible, dragging Tell back into the darkness of his past. “It’s so good to be in Schrader’s world (and head) when the movie is as good as “The Card Counter” writes Manohla Dargis in the NY Times Critic’s Pick review, “a haunting, moving story of spirit and flesh, sin and redemption, love and death about another lonely soul, William Tell, who, with pen to paper, grapples with his present and his unspeakable past.” Final screenings Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 2 and 7 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 14 at 2 p.m. 

“Talking Food in Maine: Intimate Conversations” -  Host Cherie Scott welcomes  guest Briana Warner. This is a free series of one on one conversations between host Cherie Scott of  notable culinary pioneers who have made a substantial contribution to the culinary arts in the state of Maine. Briana has dedicated her life to doing well by doing good. Since taking over as CEO at Atlantic Sea Farms in 2018, she and her team have focused on helping fishermen adapt to and mitigate some of the effects of climate change by growing kelp on their off-season. Their award-winning products are now distributed across the country and are changing the way that U.S. consumers think about seaweed. Thursday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.  Reservations may be made through our online box office but they are not needed to attend this free event. 

“The Alpinist” - (PG-13; 1 hour, 32 minutes) - Marc-André Leclerc climbs alone, far from the limelight. On remote alpine faces, the free-spirited 23-year-old Canadian makes some of the boldest solo ascents in history. Yet, he draws scant attention. With no cameras, no rope, and no margin for error, Leclerc’s approach is the essence of solo adventure. Nomadic and publicity shy, he doesn’t own a phone or car, and is reluctant to let a film crew in on his pure vision of climbing. Veteran filmmaker Peter Mortimer (The Dawn Wall) sets out to make a film about Leclerc but struggles to keep up with his elusive subject. Then, Leclerc embarks on a historic adventure in Patagonia that will redefine what is possible in solo climbing. Playing at 2 and 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15 and Wednesday, Oct. 20; at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16; and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17 and Thursday, Oct. 21.

Met Live in HD: “Boris Godunov” - (Estimated running time: 2 hours, 20 minutes – no intermission) - Bass René Pape, the world’s reigning Boris, reprises his tremendous portrayal of the tortured tsar caught between grasping ambition and crippling paranoia, kicking off the highly anticipated 2021–22 Live in HD season. Conductor Sebastian Weigle leads Mussorgsky’s masterwork, a pillar of the Russian repertoire, in its original 1869 version. Stephen Wadsworth’s affecting production poignantly captures the hope and suffering of the Russian people, as well as the title ruler himself. Encore presentation Saturday, Oct. 16 at 1 p.m. Tickets $25 Adult, $23 LT Members, $5 Youth 18 and under.

Upcoming events - “Raphael Revealed” -  Oct. 21 & 22; The Met Live in HD: “Fire Shut Up In My Bones” -  Oct. 23;  OldHat Stringband, Live on Stage, Sunday, Oct. 24.

Tickets available at the door starting 30 minutes before showtime or online in advance through the theater’s website at www.LincolnTheater.net. Movie tickets are $8/adult, $6/members and youth 18 and under. Event ticket prices vary. The Lincoln Theater is located at 2 Theater St., downtown Damariscotta. Curtain going up!