Arts: Film/TV/Radio   

Independent filmmakers are known for their unique and inspiring stories. Their films explore complex themes, provide a more intimate look at human experiences, and offer a deeper and more immersive journey than the more conventional “This happened and then that happened” movie. The six films chosen for this course include both international and American filmmakers. The discussion will focus on the effectiveness of the film and explore the social, political, and cultural dynamics that shape the women characters. Two films will be discussed in each class, and class members will view the films at home before each session. All films are available to rent without needing a subscription service. Each week students will be emailed a PDF document with director interviews for the coming discussion. The interviews offer the directors’ perspectives on the film, what inspired them, what was challenging, and particulars about the production aspects of the film. 

NOTE: Two separate sections of this course are offered: one is online, and one is held at the Campbell Center. The total cost for renting all the films should be about $25. 

Independent filmmakers are known for their unique and inspiring stories. Their films explore complex themes, provide a more intimate look at human experiences, and offer a deeper and more immersive journey than the more conventional “This happened and then that happened” movie. The six films chosen for this course include both international and American filmmakers. The discussion will focus on the effectiveness of the film and explore the social, political, and cultural dynamics that shape the women characters. Two films will be discussed in each class, and class members will view the films at home before each session. All films are available to rent without needing a subscription service. Each week students will be emailed a PDF document with director interviews for the coming discussion. The interviews offer the directors’ perspectives on the film, what inspired them, what was challenging, and particulars about the production aspects of the film. 

NOTE: Two separate sections of this course are offered: one is online, and one is held at the Campbell Center. The total cost for renting all the films should be about $25. 

This course will feature 10 classic comedy films, starting with “The Kid” (1921) starring Charlie Chaplin and ending with “Ferris Buehler’s Day Off” (1988) with Matthew Broderick. The other eight are “Trouble in Paradise,” “Mr. Deeds Goes to Town,” “The Shop around the Corner,” “To Be or Not to Be,” “It Should Happen to You,” “The Fortune Cookie,” “What’s Up, Doc,” and “Being There.” A handout for each film will be provided at the preceding session; for the first meeting, a handout will be available that day. Before each film, the instructor will point out anything of particular note and will entertain questions and comments. A guided discussion will follow the end of the film. Students need bring nothing more than a desire to see these special comedy films that are true classics and still enjoyable, however many times one views them.

NOTE: This begins the four-year (12-term) series of classic comedy films first introduced five years ago.

This class will feature 10 classic musical films featuring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, starting with 1921’s “Flying Down to Rio” and finishing with 1949’s “The Barkley’s of Broadway.” The other eight are “The Gay Divorcee,” “Roberta,” “Top Hat,” “Follow the Fleet,” “Swing Time,” “Shall We Dance,” “Carefree,” and “The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle.” A handout for each film will be provided at the preceding session; for the first meeting, a handout will be available that day. Before each film, the instructor will point out anything of particular note and will entertain questions and comments. A guided discussion will follow the end of each film. Students need bring nothing more than a desire to see these special musical films that are true classics and still enjoyable, no matter how many times one views them.

NOTE: This begins the four-year (12-term) series of classic musical films first introduced eight years ago and introduced again four years ago. There will be no class meeting on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday January 15.