Film & Music: History & Appreciation   

Censorship in America has been going on for centuries. In the 20th century, books were “banned,” and movies deemed too obscene were edited. Television would not show a married couple in bed, and news programs came under attack by political groups for perceived bias. There may be a freedom of speech provision in the United States Constitution, but groups have tried to shut that down for decades. In this lecture focusing on 1921-1959, we will delve into popular culture and discuss books, TV shows, and movies that have been deemed controversial and/or censored, such as The Outlaw and Some Like It Hot, and we will discuss the groups and laws that have spearheaded the efforts to ban them.

Calling all gumshoes, crooks, and femme fatales: join us to screen film noir masterpiece Laura with Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews. We will begin with the film's historical context and legacy, and after viewing, Picture House Education Manager Spencer Sapienza will lead a guided discussion through the cinematic language of the film and the intersection of plot, theme, and filmmaking techniques. Come prepared to share your thoughts, feelings, hidden identity, or tragic backstory! And remember, "suspect everybody and nobody."

Using examples mostly from the Beatles but also from Billy Joel, Nine Inch Nails, and classical composers, this course will explore the building blocks of music (scales, chords, keys, meter, and rhythm) and how composers use these elements to create music that is meaningful, expressive and dramatic. Whether you are a beginner or have some musical background, this class will enhance your understanding and appreciation of music.

Stephen King, renowned as the master of horror writing, has inspired numerous iconic films. While some of these adaptations fall within the horror genre (such as The Shining, Carrie, and The Dead Zone), many others, like Stand By Me, The Shawshank Redemption, and The Green Mile, explore different themes. In this class, we’ll delve into King’s writing career and examine how his novels and short stories have been transformed into memorable films. Through film clips and interviews with King and collaborators, we’ll explore the fascinating journey from written fiction to cinematic storytelling.

Teenagers in the 1950s loved the new sound of rock and roll which was really an old sound: rhythm and blues. The older generation and the establishment thought rock and roll music led teenagers to become juvenile delinquents. Bill Haley & His Comets had the first rock and roll hit, “Rock Around the Clock.” Elvis Presley’s gyrating hips and provocative dance moves were seen as dangerous by the establishment, and Little Richard and Chuck Berry’s sensuous beats also challenged conventional norms as well as racial barriers. One group in Alabama went after businesses that had jukeboxes with the music and radio stations that played the music. This lecture will look at the early days of rock and roll, 1954-58, which left a lasting impact on the music industry and American popular culture.

To round out this fall’s film noir offerings with The Picture House, join us for a screening of Blood Simple, a sweaty, Southern neo-noir starring Frances McDormand and M. Emmett Walsh. Discussion topics will include filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen's pulp influences and noir's lasting legacy on Hollywood and beyond. And don’t forget, "the world is full of complainers and nothing comes with a guarantee."

The Beatles influenced Bob Dylan to “go electric” and starting with his historic Newport Folk Festival performance on July 25, 1965, he outraged the folk music world by performing with an electrified rock and roll band. Soon after, the California-based band The Byrds followed Dylan’s lead and pioneered a sound that bridged the gap between traditional American folk music groups like The Kingston Trio and the modern rock and roll music of the day. In this lecture, we will examine the evolution of the early 1960s folk music scene in the U.S., from the impact of the Beatles on American folk musicians to the explosion of the folk rock music scene in the U.S. and Great Britain that would eventually result in the huge commercial success of country music and folk rock in the late 1960s into the 1970s. We will end by looking at the influence of folk rock on current artists including Taylor Swift and Mumford & Sons.

Why does the audience stand during the Hallelujah chorus in Handel's Messiah? What are the origins of this iconic Baroque work that is still played yearly at Christmastime? What impact has Messiah had on choral music and Western classical music? Join us to dive into the captivating melodies, powerful choruses, and intricate orchestration that make Messiah an enduring classic, and impress your friends with your knowledge of its roots and historical significance and the genius of Handel himself next time you go see it.

Looking to brush up on your high school or college Spanish in an enjoyable way? Is your Spanish advanced beginner to intermediate level? Join us for a screening and discussion of Valentín, an Argentinean film that will win your heart. We will watch the film with English subtitles, and you will discover why critic Roger Ebert praised the 8-year-old protagonist Valentín ("brave" in Spanish) for living up to his name. Then, we’ll have a guided discussion in Spanish about the characters, themes, and favorite scenes. Don’t worry about making mistakes—our instructor will be there to help. Come for a fun evening of film, conversation, and palomitas (popcorn)!