To those who may not be aware, I love movies. From the old and traditionalist to the current and offbeat; whether a long-forgotten silent-era classic, a neo-neo-realist Romanian ‘dramedy’, or even the latest action flick, chances are I want to see it.
But what is the cinematic experience without some enthusiastic compatriots to share it with?
The existence of a Connecticut College Film Society stretches back to the early 1970s. Back then, before the advent of VHS and DVD, not to mention Netflix, the Society served as the primary means for students to view films, particularly older ones that were long past their theatrical run.
Resurfacing in the mid 1990s, screenings sponsored by the second incarnation of the Film Society were typically popular films of the day. Much like today’s occasional SAC screenings, big screen films were brought to the general student population in order to save us a car ride and an eight-dollar ticket.
Ideally, our continuing screening series provides a weekly opportunity for viewers to broaden and stretch their minds. While several of the films, like the recently screened Akira and City Lights, are personal favorites of mine, other club members and contributors have added their own flavors to the mix. Notable examples include the dream-like Soviet film Stalker or Tobe Hooper’s classic Texas Chainsaw Massacre, both of which were well attended and received by regulars and guests alike.
Introductions and optional audience discussions have become an important element of the current Film Society, and we have been lucky thus far to host films handpicked but faculty aficionados like Professor James McFarland, Dr. Nina Martin and Professor Sayumi Harb.
I know that these screenings will stay with me for years to come, whether I completely enjoyed them or not. Even the most difficult films can inspire if you’re willing give to take the risk. For me, that’s what the Film Society is all about.
Film Society has screenings every Thursday night around 7 or 8 PM, depending on the night, in OLIN 014. For a schedule of screenings for Spring 2010, contact jlichte1@conncoll.edu.
Thanks for acknowledging “The Stalker.” The co-writer was also one of the best film writer and director during Soviet times, Andrei Tarkovsky. You may recognize him as the director/co-writer of the original 1972 Soviet version of “Solaris.”
While both of the above films are justifiably famous in Russia, I strongly recommend another Tarkovsky film, “Zerkalo/The Mirror.” Emotionally and visually, I found it wrenchingly beautiful.
(And I *never* say “wrenchingly.”)
Thanks