Colby-Sawyer Introduces Favorite Films Series
Colby-Sawyer College will host a new series featuring experts from Colby-Sawyer and their favorite cinematic masterworks. The series is free, open to the public and begins on Monday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. in Clements Hall in the Curtis L. Ivey Science Center.
The first film, Ingmar Bergman's 1957 classic “Wild Strawberries,” is presented by Gibney Distinguished Professor of Humanities Dr. Patrick Anderson. Professor Anderson is author of In Its Own Image: The Cinematic Vision of Hollywood, a frequent host of “Reel Talk,” and a lecturer for the N.H. Humanities Council on cinematography topics ranging from Movie Mavericks and the Art of Film to the silent comedy of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. At Colby-Sawyer, Professor Anderson teaches courses in American studies, Native American studies, literature and film.
Professor Anderson describes “Wild Strawberries” as a “second coming-of-age story for an elderly man reassessing his life that moves from dark, haunting nightmares to rejuvenating, peaceful dreams.” Influenced by the topic of his current honors International Film course on journeys, Professor Anderson selected the film for its message that “will resonate with the audience” and familiarize viewers with “one of the medium's greatest directors.”
Following the screening, Professor Anderson will lead a discussion focusing on the main character's struggle to make peace with the issues he's faced throughout his career, as well as the journey of the film's three young characters as they begin their life adventures.
Professor Anderson believes Colby-Sawyer's new film series will be a lively and enriching experience for the audience. “This is an opportunity to come together and watch beautifully made, thought-provoking films on the big screen, and share ideas and insights with one another,” says Professor Anderson. “Even as a professor and scholar of film, I never fail to see and learn something new whenever I watch such exceptional films again.”
The series continues on Monday, March 3, at 7 p.m. in Clements Hall with Colby-Sawyer Student Film Club President Abhineet Kumar '16. Kumar will host the 1999 American comedy-fantasy “Being John Malkovich.” Directed by Spike Jonze, the film features an all-star cast including John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, Catherine Keener and John Malkovich, who construct the tale of a puppeteer who finds a portal into actor John Malkovich's mind.
A self-proclaimed film enthusiast, Kumar believes “Being John Malkovich” is a cinematic journey with broad appeal that entertains audiences while making them think. “It should be a great experience for anyone interested in film, art, psychology or just people in general,” says Kumar. “A film with such originality and thought-provoking ideas will incite a wonderful discussion. It explores our insecurities, fears and desires all through incredibly believable characters and a beautifully original story.”
Associate Professor of Humanities Dr. Melissa Meade, closes the series on Monday, April 7, at 7 p.m. in Clements Hall with a film by French New Wave director Agnès Varda. A critically acclaimed portrait of the final weeks of a female drifter's life, “Vagabond” combines straightforward narrative scenes with pseudo-documentary sequences while omitting significant events and challenging the audience to piece together the full story. The 1985 drama is considered one of Varda's greatest feminist works with its emphasis on the de-fetishization of the female body from the male perspective.
Professor Meade, who grew up in the Los Angeles area, credits her interest in cinema and the "culture industries” to being surrounded by people “involved in constructing images and telling stories.” Her interest continued to evolve as an undergraduate. “At Purdue I attended as many film screenings as possible, from big blockbusters to tiny experimental and art films,” says Professor Meade. “I feel fortunate to have been exposed to so much on the big screen.” Professor Meade's current areas of expertise include media history and theory, gender and media, feminism and communication technology.
Following the screening Professor Meade will lead a discussion focused on the film's original promotional tagline: "She's cute, she stinks, and she won't say thank you. Would you offer her a lift?"
For more information on the Favorite Film Series contact Associate Professor of Humanities Dr. Craig Greenman at (603) 526-3357 or cgreenman@colby-sawyer.edu.
–Kellie M. Spinney, College Communications
Colby-Sawyer College is a comprehensive college that integrates the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation. Founded in 1837, Colby-Sawyer is located in the scenic Lake Sunapee Region of central New Hampshire.
Colby-Sawyer College, 541 Main Street, New London, N.H. 03257 (603) 526-3000
