Wednesday, August 14, 2013

September Film Society Meeting

September Film Discussion
The Great Gatsby
Thank you to everyone that came to the Film Society meeting on Monday night. The film and the discussion were fantastic. Our film next month will be Baz Luhrmann's stunning new adaptation of the Great Gatsby. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan, and Joel Edgarton.

In this adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, Nick Carraway (Maguire) is lured into the lavish world of his neighbor Jay Gatsby (DiCaprio). As the cracks in Gatsby's artificial world start to appear to Nick, obsession and tragedy come crashing down.
Rated PG-13 for some violent images, sexual content, smoking, partying and brief language.

Watch & Discuss
This month, the Film Society will engage in discussions about the themes of the 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 right here.
Questions for Discussion
1. How does the film use music to set the time period and control the action on screen?
2. Why is Gatsby so obsessed with Daisy? What does she represent to him?
3. Do you find any of the characters sympathetic?
4. How do the different locations in the film interact with one another and what do they symbolize?
References
The Great Gatsby on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1343092/

Monday, August 5, 2013

"Under Our Skin" Film Screening on Wednesday August 7th, 6 PM



“UNDER OUR SKIN”…A gripping tale of microbes, medicine & money will be shown at the Goodwin Library in Farmington on Wednesday, August 7th at 6 pm.  The documentary showing is sponsored by Lyme411 a NH patient support group.

UNDER OUR SKIN exposes the hidden story of Lyme disease, one of the most serious and controversial epidemics of our time. Slate Magazine called it “Head-spinning…riveting…a rigorously researched and highly thorough piece of investigative reporting.”
Each year, thousands go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, often told that their symptoms are all in their head. Following the stories of patients and physicians fighting for their lives and livelihoods, the film brings into focus a haunting picture of the health care system and a medical establishment all too willing to put profits ahead of patients.  Please note that the movie is not suitable for children.

A question and answer session with Dr. Steve Clark, ND will follow immediately after the film.  Dr. Clark is an experienced Lyme-treating Naturopathic doctor..  Lyme411 holds monthly support group meetings in Laconia for people living with tick-borne illnesses as well as their family members and friends.  For more information about Lyme 411 visit www.LYme411.org or call 888-596-5698 (messages are usually returned within 24 hours).  For more information about the showing call Cyndi at 755-2762.
If you missed the showing last night view it now here:

Friday, July 12, 2013

The Sports Movie Oscars

(sportshollywood.com)
http://www.usatoday.com/story/gameon/2013/02/22/sports-movie-oscars/1938227/

Remember, we're discussing the Jackie Robinson biopic 42 next month. Here are some other great sports films to help add to the discussion!

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?