Douglas Sirk's 1959 melodrama based on Fannie Hurst's 1933 novel about two single mothers, one black, one white, striving together in a man's world.
This screening of Douglas Sirk's Imitation of Life (1959) is presented in response to Noah Davis’s exhibition 'Imitation of Wealth', creating a dialogue between film and art about themes of identity, aspiration, and representation.
Sirk’s lush melodrama examines the intersecting lives of two women—one Black and one white—and their daughters, navigating the complexities of race, class, and familial sacrifice. The film’s exploration of constructed identities and societal expectations resonates with Davis’s work, which reimagines illusions of prosperity and cultural symbolism as layered narratives about value and visibility.
This screening invites audiences to consider how both Davis and Sirk use their respective mediums to critique systems of representation and question the ways we assign meaning to art, labour, and life.
This screening is one of three films that feature as part of the Noah Davis public programme. These films were chosen as they reflect on themes found in the Noah Davis exhibition. Prince’s Purple Rain was a film deeply loved by Davis and one that had a profound impact on his life and art. Douglas Sirk's melodrama Imitation of Life deals with identity, aspiration and representation, recurring motifs in Davis' paintings. Lastly, a mixed programme of films screening as an audio-visual response to the artist's work.
1959 US dir Douglas Sirk 125min
Films can contain elements which some may find upsetting; from references to self-harm or suicide, to sexual violence or domestic abuse. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) provides guidance to audiences, to help them choose what’s right for them and avoid what’s not. For guidance, please click here and type the film title into the search bar.
Ticket prices
Students £11
Unwaged £11
Over 60s £11
Under 18s £6
Wheelchair spaces, free companion seats may now be booked online.
Please select the relevant preferences on the access registration page during your booking, so we can provide you with the correct information and discounts.
Booking a wheelchair space
Select a seat displaying the wheelchair user icon and then select 'wheelchair user' ticket type. The ticket will be priced at the lowest price for that event. If you need an essential companion, please select the E icon next to the wheelchair space you have selected.
Booking essential companion tickets
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Booking British Sign Language or Captioned Seats
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Booking fees
£1.50 booking fee per online/phone transaction.
No fee when tickets are booked in person.
Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.
Let our screens bring you closer
Cinema 2
Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue.
Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Access
Cinemas 2 & 3 are located at Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican Centre’s main Silk Street entrance. There are a couple of steep, dropped kerbs and an incline to negotiate between the two sites. Level access from Beech Street.
Mobility
Each auditorium has three permanent wheelchair spaces (two in the third row and one in the front row) and 153 fixed seats with capacity for a further three spaces in the front row. Access to each auditorium is up a ramp. There are also a number of seats with step-free access.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs may be taken into the cinema – please tell us when booking to ensure your seat has enough space. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of the foyer staff during the performance.
Hearing facility
An infrared system for hard of hearing customers is provided in each auditorium; headsets or neck loops can be collected from foyer staff. The ticket desk counter is fitted with an induction loop.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.
