History & Film

History & Film

Fall 2004 Schedule
All films shown on Wednesday evenings, 7:00 PM
Walker Hall 133 (Screening Room)

September 29
Antigone (directed by Don Taylor, 1984)

This English-language adaptation of the classic Greek tragedy by Sophocles tells the story of Antigone, daughter of the accursed Oedipus, who is forced to choose between following the laws of King Creon, or honoring her brother and family. First produced in 441 BCE, Sophocles’ play still resonates today, with its timeless themes of the conflict between individual conscience and obedience to the state, between the laws of god and the laws of man. This production, made for British television, is set in a recent but unspecified past. Starring Juliet Stevenson as Antigone.

October 20
The Emperor and the Assassin (directed by Kaige Chen, 1999)

Set in 221 BCE, The Emperor and the Assassin tells the true story of Ying Zheng, the man who ambitiously and ruthlessly unified the seven kingdoms of China to become the First Emperor. Zheng’s quest for power is matched only by that of his beautiful concubine, Lady Zhao (played by Gong Li), who plots, spies, and consorts with assassins. Awards: Cannes Film Festival (Technical Grand Prize for Production Design; nominated for the Palme d’Or); Los Angeles International Film Festival (nominated for Grand Jury Prize). In Chinese (Mandarin) with English subtitles.

November 17
The Name of the Rose (directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, 1986)

Sean Connery stars as William of Baskerville, a Franciscan monk who is called to investigate a series of mysterious deaths in a 14^th-century abbey. An intriguing mix of ideas and action, the film provides a fascinating evocation of medieval Europe. Based on the critically acclaimed novel by Umberto Eco. Also stars Christian Slater and F. Murray Abraham. Awards: British Academy Award (Best Actor); César Award (Best Foreign Film); German Film Award (Best Actor; Production Design).

September 29	*Antigone* (directed by Don Taylor, 1984)
	This English-language adaptation of the classic Greek tragedy by Sophocles tells the story of Antigone, daughter of the accursed Oedipus, who is forced to choose between following the laws of King Creon, or honoring her brother and family. First produced in 441 BCE, Sophocles’ play still resonates today, with its timeless themes of the conflict between individual conscience and obedience to the state, between the laws of god and the laws of man. This production, made for British television, is set in a recent but unspecified past. Starring Juliet Stevenson as Antigone.

October 20	The Emperor and the Assassin (directed by Kaige Chen, 1999)
	Set in 221 BCE, The Emperor and the Assassin tells the true story of Ying Zheng, the man who ambitiously and ruthlessly unified the seven kingdoms of China to become the First Emperor. Zheng’s quest for power is matched only by that of his beautiful concubine, Lady Zhao (played by Gong Li), who plots, spies, and consorts with assassins. Awards: Cannes Film Festival (Technical Grand Prize for Production Design; nominated for the Palme d’Or); Los Angeles International Film Festival (nominated for Grand Jury Prize). In Chinese (Mandarin) with English subtitles.

November 17	The Name of the Rose (directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, 1986)
	Sean Connery stars as William of Baskerville, a Franciscan monk who is called to investigate a series of mysterious deaths in a 14^th-century abbey. An intriguing mix of ideas and action, the film provides a fascinating evocation of medieval Europe. Based on the critically acclaimed novel by Umberto Eco. Also stars Christian Slater and F. Murray Abraham. Awards: British Academy Award (Best Actor); César Award (Best Foreign Film); German Film Award (Best Actor; Production Design).