Full-length ‘Carlos’ requires an investment of time -- and money

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There are three different ways to catch Olivier Assayas’ critically lauded, 5 1/2-hour epic ‘Carlos,’ about the infamous terrorist Carlos the Jackal, starring Edgar Ramirez. The film is playing in three parts on the Sundance Channel, starting tonight, but L.A. Times critic Betsy Sharkey says if you’ve got time to go to the theater and see it all in one sitting, do so. Be prepared, though, to shell out more than usual for the tickets if you want to see the full-length version.

In L.A., the 5 1/2 hour version, which created a lot of heat at the Cannes Film Festival in May, will have a limited engagement beginning Friday, Oct. 22 at the American Cinematheque’s Egyptian Theatre. Assayas will introduce the screening that first night. The film will also screen Saturday Oct. 23 in the morning, as well as the early evening (Assayas will introduce the Saturday evening screening too). There will be an intermission about two-thirds of the way through. Tickets are $18 for general admission; $15 for students and seniors; and $12 for Cinematheque members.

A shorter, 166-minute version will also screenOct. 25-28 at the Egyptian’s Spielberg Theatre. Admission will be the regular general admission price of $10.

For more information, go to www.americancinematheque.com

-- Susan King