In this ongoing seminar exploring how the arts affect us and why they matter, the subject this term is film. A mere half century after the birth of photography, cinematography animated its images, with more to come. Driven by technology and ambition – both commercial and artistic – film rapidly consumed aspects of older arts, including enactment, synchronized dialogue and sound effects, verbal and visual narration, music, color and stereophonic sound. After a hands-on introduction to the art of film in the first class, the course will feature seven modern classics displaying film’s protean powers, to be discussed one per week in the following order: Francois Truffaut’s The 400 Blows (1959); Penny Marshall’s Big (1988); Eric Rohmer’s Claire’s Knee (1970); Ingmar Bergman’s [& Mozart’s] The Magic Flute (1975); Oliver Stone’s Platoon (1986); Robert Wise’s The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951); and Spike Jonze’s Her (2013). Class members will be responsible for watching films on their own before class discussion, which may involve a total expense of as much as $35. Some substitution of titles may be necessary depending on streaming availability or other considerations. Limit 24.

Joseph Longino, PhD
10:00—Noon Tuesday, Starts Sept. 15
Westover Hills Church of Christ, Room 201
8332 Mesa Drive (78759)

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