Arts: Film/TV/Radio   

This course will present eight films produced from 2000 to 2010 by directors Varda Jeunet, Veber, Tirard, Ozon, Barratier and Dahan. These films offer exposure to the French language as well as diverse aspects of life in France, both contemporary and historical. A short introduction that includes the film's historical context and information about the director and actors will precede each film, which will then be viewed in class. An interactive discussion led by the instructor will follow each film. Films are all in color and have English subtitles.

Italian film had its start in the 1920’s, but it achieved its well-deserved fame in the post WWII era with the introduction of neo-realist cinema, which was influential in the move away from escapist films towards a cinema that was more concerned with war, fascism, and post-war social and political issues. In class, we will view works by De Sica, the Taviani Brothers, Olmi, Fellini and others, followed by discussion of the content, themes, and structure of the film. 

G’day, mates! “Landmark Australian Films” offers some of the best films made in Australia, or by Australians, since 1971, as designated by the Australian Film Institute and others. By viewing exceptional Australian films, the class will see how cinema has developed in Australia in the last 50 years and learn more about Australian culture through some of the compelling social, historical, and political stories Australian cinema has offered. The course also examines this culture’s satirical bent. And we will see how filmmakers’ attitudes about Australian culture and geography, in particular, have affected their approach to storytelling about the region. Each week, the instructor will formally introduce one film on Zoom, backgrounding the filmmaker, the performers, and key aspects of the film. Students will watch the film independently, then meet on Zoom for discussion during which the instructor and the class will analyze the filmmaker’s cinematic technique and storytelling skills.

NOTE: The instructor will provide an annotated "Movie List" which documents where all the assigned films are available for streaming or rental online, for $3.99 or less.

This course will feature ten classic musical films starting with "The Three Penny Opera” (1931) starring Rudolf Forster and Lotte Lenya and concluding with “Cabaret" (1972) starring Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey. The other eight are "Duck Soup,” “One Night of Love,” "Curly Top," "Born to Dance,” "Alexander’s Ragtime Band," "Pinocchio,” “Cover Girl,” and "Carousel.” A handout for each film will be provided at the preceding session; for the first meeting, a handout will be available that day. Films will be viewed in class. 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: There will be no class meeting on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday January 16.

This course will feature ten classic mystery-suspense films starting with a Harold Lloyd silent film, "Safety Last" (1923), and concluding with"Psycho" (1960), starring Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh. The other eight are "The Lady Vanishes,” “The Maltese Falcon," "Laura," "Rope," "Strangers on a Train," “Dial M for Murder,” “The Killing,” and "Vertigo." This course begins a three-term classic mystery/suspense film series. 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 mystery-suspense films that are true classics and still enjoyable, no matter how many times one views them.

Barriers to women's freedom are many, and most can't be resolved by individual action. The eight selected films in the course will explore how women are constrained in their work and family lives, and how women band together to wrest a freer life for themselves and those who follow. The films will portray women who pursue a collective response through the legal system, as well as women who build alternate pathways to justice. In class, we will discuss how these efforts light the way to a better world amid the obstacles that remain. Members will watch the films prior to class, and two films will be discussed each week. A list of film titles and themes will be emailed in mid-December. The films are a mix of narrative and documentary and are available for viewing or renting on streaming channels (Amazon Prime, Apple, etc.)

NOTE: There will be no class meeting on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday January 16.