History & Film-Fall 2003

History & Film

Fall 2003 Schedule
All films shown on Wednesday evenings, 7:00 PM
Walker Hall 133 (Screening Room)

September 17
Little Buddha (directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, 1994)

A sweeping tale of destiny and spirituality, Little Buddha interweaves the story of Siddhartha Guatama (the Buddha) with a present-day story of an American boy who may be the reincarnation of a Tibetan lama. Keanu Reeves plays Siddhartha; also starring Bridget Fonda and Chris Isaak.

October 15
Gladiator (directed by Ridley Scott, 2000)

The action-filled movie that dominated the 2000 Oscar ceremonies, Gladiator explores one man’s individual heroism pitted against the brutality of the Roman Empire. Russell Crowe stars as Maximus, the general forced to turn slave-gladiator; Joachin Phoenix is the evil Emperor Commodus. Incredible fight scenes and computer-generated recreations of ancient Rome make this historical epic a crowd-pleaser. Awards: multiple Academy Awards (including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Costume Design); British Academy Awards (Best Film, Cinematography, Editing); Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture-Drama).

November 12
Destiny (al-Massir (directed by Youssef Chahine, 1997)

In Andalusia, Spain, the great Islamic philosopher Averröes and his followers confront the forces of fundamentalism and censorship that have taken over the caliph’s court. Although set in the 12^th century, Destiny raises issues that still resonate today: the power of fundamentalism, the individual quest for knowledge and enlightenment, and the sometimes complex relationship between religion and politics. Starring Nour el-Cherif as Averröes. Awards: Cannes Film Festival (Palme d’Or nomination). In French and Arabic with English subtitles.

December 3
Henry V (directed by Kenneth Branagh, 1989)

Kenneth Branagh’s acclaimed adaptation of Shakespeare’s play tells the story of Henry V, the young king (r. 1413-1422) who must prove his mettle as he leads the English to war against France. Henry V features an all-start British cast, including Branagh in the title role, Derek Jacobi, Paul Scofield, Emma Thompson, and Judi Dench. Awards: multiple awards and nominations, including Academy Awards (Best Costume Design; nominations for Best Actor and Best Director); British Academy Awards (Best Direction; nominations include Best Actor, Cinematography, Costume Design).

September 17	*Little Buddha* (directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, 1994)
	A sweeping tale of destiny and spirituality, Little Buddha interweaves the story of Siddhartha Guatama (the Buddha) with a present-day story of an American boy who may be the reincarnation of a Tibetan lama. Keanu Reeves plays Siddhartha; also starring Bridget Fonda and Chris Isaak.

October 15	*Gladiator* (directed by Ridley Scott, 2000)
	The action-filled movie that dominated the 2000 Oscar ceremonies, Gladiator explores one man’s individual heroism pitted against the brutality of the Roman Empire. Russell Crowe stars as Maximus, the general forced to turn slave-gladiator; Joachin Phoenix is the evil Emperor Commodus. Incredible fight scenes and computer-generated recreations of ancient Rome make this historical epic a crowd-pleaser. Awards: multiple Academy Awards (including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Costume Design); British Academy Awards (Best Film, Cinematography, Editing); Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture-Drama).

November 12	*Destiny (al-Massir* (directed by Youssef Chahine, 1997)
	In Andalusia, Spain, the great Islamic philosopher Averröes and his followers confront the forces of fundamentalism and censorship that have taken over the caliph’s court. Although set in the 12^th century, Destiny raises issues that still resonate today: the power of fundamentalism, the individual quest for knowledge and enlightenment, and the sometimes complex relationship between religion and politics. Starring Nour el-Cherif as Averröes. Awards: Cannes Film Festival (Palme d’Or nomination). In French and Arabic with English subtitles.

December 3	*Henry V* (directed by Kenneth Branagh, 1989)
	Kenneth Branagh’s acclaimed adaptation of Shakespeare’s play tells the story of Henry V, the young king (r. 1413-1422) who must prove his mettle as he leads the English to war against France. Henry V features an all-start British cast, including Branagh in the title role, Derek Jacobi, Paul Scofield, Emma Thompson, and Judi Dench. Awards: multiple awards and nominations, including Academy Awards (Best Costume Design; nominations for Best Actor and Best Director); British Academy Awards (Best Direction; nominations include Best Actor, Cinematography, Costume Design).