Description

The best movies are shaped by two main elements: artistic and thematic. This course offers specific techniques for interpreting the artistic elements in any film, and consideration of how the specific time period of the film influences the thematic elements. We will look at seven classic films of the 70’s, such as The Godfather, The Conversation, Network, Taxi Driver, Klute, Nashville, and Apocalypse Now.Instructor: Frank Murray, Ph. DWhile we can enjoy a movie for its entertainment value, to get the fullest satisfaction from watching them, many films require a deeper analysis. This is an introductory level course requiring no previous knowledge of film techniques but welcoming all at any level with an interest in figuring out how to get “more” out of the movies they watch. We will explore several general categories of analysis (camerawork, editing, use of light and sound, acting, the importance of beginnings and endings of films, etc.) that are relatively easy to grasp and apply to any kind of film from any period. In order to make our time in class both efficient and effective, I’m asking that you view each film before class, so that we can discuss it during the class. I will show several specific scenes in class to stimulate discussion of artistic techniques and social/political values of the time period, so having seen the whole film in advance will make these examples much more useful. [There will be a showing of each film in the Senior Center prior to class on a day to be determined, for those who want to see it that way; others may prefer to find the film through a streaming service and watch it on their own.] The first class meeting will be purely introductory, addressing the elements of analysis we will refer to throughout the course (with handouts so you won’t have to take notes if you don’t want to), and with some selected scenes to demonstrate those elements (from movies we are not seeing). Each of the seven remaining class sessions will address one film in depth, starting with The Godfather. My goals for the course are to offer an opportunity for you to discuss your perspectives on each film (so this will not be a “lecture” course but an interactive seminar-style class period) and to provide useful “tools” for you to apply to your own viewing of films in the future. I look forward to sharing this fun and intriguing investigation into “viewing values.”

Activity Secondary Category

Membership Required

Location

302 at Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center

Prerequisites

Iowa City Membership - 1 person
orIowa City Membership - 2 people
orIowa City Membership - 3 people
orIowa City Membership - 4 people
orNon-Iowa City Membership - 1 person
orNon-Iowa City Membership - 2 people
orNon-Iowa City Membership - 3 people
orRenewActive Membership
orVisitor Membership