The notion that cartoons are “just for kids” never seemed to register with the Europeans. They read bona fide Surrealism into Felix the Cat, saw Mickey Mouse as a representation of Everyman, and sent frightening acid-blasted versions of Tom & Jerry from deepest, darkest Czechoslovakia. Tonight, Jerry Beck Animation Tuesdays features Fantastic Planet by French animators Roland Topor and René Laloux. Started in 1968 but not released until 1973 — and distributed in the U.S. by Roger Corman, who knows a good thing when he sees it — the animated masterpiece involves the giant alien Draags enslaving the tiny human Oms and pitting them against one another in mortal combat. Tonight's screening presents the film's new alternate soundtrack performed live by Jesus Makes the Shotgun Sound, who play along with the original Frog-rock score by Alain Goraguer.

Tue., Jan. 4, 8 p.m., 2011

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