Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

August Film Society Meeting


August Film Discussion 

42
Thanks to everyone that came this month for the Ides of March! We had a fantastic discussion comparing the political themes in the film to the political atmosphere in Lincoln's time. In August, we will discuss 42, the story of Jackie Robinson.

Hero is a word we hear often in sports, but heroism is not always about achievements on the field of play. "42" tells the story of two men - the great Jackie Robinson and legendary Brooklyn Dodgers GM Branch Rickey - whose brave stance against prejudice forever changed the world by changing the game of baseball. In 1946, Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford) put himself in the forefront of history when he signed Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) to the team, breaking Major League Baseball's infamous color line. But the deal also put Robinson and Rickey in the firing line of the public, the press and even other players. Facing unabashed racism from every side, Robinson was forced to demonstrate tremendous courage and restraint by not reacting in kind,  knowing that any incident could destroy his and Rickey's hopes. Instead, Number 42 let his talent on the field do the talking - ultimately winning over fans and his teammates, silencing his critics, and paving the way for others to follow. (c) WB

42 is rated PG-13 for thematic elements including language.


Watch & Discuss

This month, the Film Society will engage in discussions about the themes of this movie.  The enjoyment of the films we watch can be enhanced by thinking more deeply about them and participating in discussions both online and at our monthly meeting.  Everyone is invited to participate in these discussions with us. Please join us and engage in thoughtful discussion about this film right here.

Questions for Discussion
1. Sports films often use the sport as a plot device to push forward a political or social message. How does 42 use baseball to push forward a plot of far greater scope than just a sport?
2. Why does Branch Rickey sign Jackie Robinson? Does he have multiple intentions at play? Do you think he truly believes he is signing him to draw in a larger African American audience?
3. Why do film makers often use baseball as a plot device for a film that is not completely about baseball?


Friday, May 24, 2013

June Film Discussion: Lincoln

  June Film Discussion
Watch and Discuss 
Lincoln
This month we will discuss Steven Spielberg's Lincoln. The film hosts an all-star cast including Daniel Day-Lewis, Tommy Lee Jones, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Sally Field. Lincoln won two Academy Awards and was nominated for another ten! This critically acclaimed film will be a treat for movie fans and history buffs alike and offers plenty to talk about.

As the Civil War continues to rage, America's president (2012 Best Actor winner Daniel Day-Lewis) struggles with continuing carnage on the battlefield and fights with many inside his own cabinet on the decision to emancipate the slaves. This film chronicles the president's term in office between 1861 and 1865 as he dealt with personal demons and politics during the Civil War.

Lincoln is rated PG-13 for brief strong language, some images of carnage, and scenes of war violence.


Watch & Discuss
This month, the Film Society will engage in discussions about the themes of this movie.  The enjoyment of the films we watch can be enhanced by thinking more deeply about them and participating in discussions both online and at our monthly meeting.  Everyone is invited to participate in these discussions with us. Please join us and engage in thoughtful discussion about this film right here.

Questions for Discussion
Please leave your comments regarding these questions and any thoughts about the movie you'd like to discuss or share in the Comment Box below.
1. How is the Lincoln marriage portrayed in the film? How do Lincoln and Mary Todd's personalities differ?
2. How does the film portray Lincoln's racial views and his perspective of slavery? Do those views change over the course of the film?
3. How are Lincoln's views of faith portrayed in the film?
4. Lincoln is admired as a historical hero by many, well beyond academic circles. Does the film help support this historical perception of the president or does it offer a new perspective?

References

Image Credits
http://www.parentalguide.org/assets/rating_pg13.gif

Saturday, October 13, 2012

'Mockingbird Lane': NBC Airing 'The Munsters' Reboot As Halloween Special


NBC describes the reboot:

"Buying a house these days is a nightmare, so Herman and Lily are shocked that no one scooped up the rambling Victorian mansion at 1313 Mockingbird Lane that was the site of a series of grisly hobo murders. Settling into their new place, they’re quickly onto the mission at hand: to gently ease Eddie into the reality of his werewolf adolescence. But it’s not always so easy to accept that your child is a little “different” from the rest of the kids. Meanwhile, Herman, who works as a funeral director, is suffering from a heart condition. Since he’s made up mostly of spare parts, he knew his makeshift heart would eventually give out. No worries though, because Grandpa, who is pretty good at procuring body parts, is on the case. All Herman cares about is finding a new heart with the same capacity to love Lily as much as he has for so many decades."