History & Film

History & Film

Fall 2005 Schedule
All films shown on Wednesday evenings, 7:30 PM
Walker Hall 133 (Screening Room)

September 28
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 19
The Last Temptation of Christ (directed by Martin Scorsese, 2003)

Director Martin Scorsese’s portrait of an all-too-human Jesus has been lauded by some, condemned by others. Scorsese’s Jesus bears little resemblance to the Jesus of the Gospels, yet Last Temptation offers a powerful and provocative meditation on the nature of humanity and divinity, with the dramatic visual impact we have come to expect from Scorsese’s films. Starring Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey, and David Bowie; music by Peter Gabriel. Awards: Academy Award nomination-Best Director; Golden Globe nomination-Best Original Score, Best Supporting Actress.

November 2
The Message (directed by Moustapha Akkad, 1976)

The story of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, The Message depicts the beginnings of Islam, from the struggles of the first Muslims to Muhammad’s triumphant return to Mecca. Epic battles alternate with moments of religious discovery to create an entertaining, yet devout and respectful, account of the birth of one of the world’s great religions. Starring Anthony Quinn and Irene Pappas. Awards: Academy Award nomination (Best Music, Original Score).

November 30
Kingdom of Heaven (directed by Ridley Scott, 2005)

The Crusades come to the big screen in another blockbuster historical epic from Ridley Scott. In the 12th century, Christians and Muslims are battling over control of Jerusalem. Balian (Orlando Bloom), a French blacksmith, sets out on Crusade to claim honor, fortune and, perhaps, salvation. Lavish sets combine with CGI to create incredible battle scenes that will awe the viewer, but Kingdom of Heaven also raises serious questions about faith, violence, and religious zealotry. Also starring Liam Neeson, and Jeremy Irons.

September 28	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 19	The Last Temptation of Christ (directed by Martin Scorsese, 2003)
	Director Martin Scorsese’s portrait of an all-too-human Jesus has been lauded by some, condemned by others. Scorsese’s Jesus bears little resemblance to the Jesus of the Gospels, yet Last Temptation offers a powerful and provocative meditation on the nature of humanity and divinity, with the dramatic visual impact we have come to expect from Scorsese’s films. Starring Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey, and David Bowie; music by Peter Gabriel. Awards: Academy Award nomination-Best Director; Golden Globe nomination-Best Original Score, Best Supporting Actress.

November 2	The Message (directed by Moustapha Akkad, 1976)
	The story of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, The Message depicts the beginnings of Islam, from the struggles of the first Muslims to Muhammad’s triumphant return to Mecca. Epic battles alternate with moments of religious discovery to create an entertaining, yet devout and respectful, account of the birth of one of the world’s great religions. Starring Anthony Quinn and Irene Pappas. Awards: Academy Award nomination (Best Music, Original Score).

November 30	Kingdom of Heaven (directed by Ridley Scott, 2005)
	The Crusades come to the big screen in another blockbuster historical epic from Ridley Scott. In the 12th century, Christians and Muslims are battling over control of Jerusalem. Balian (Orlando Bloom), a French blacksmith, sets out on Crusade to claim honor, fortune and, perhaps, salvation. Lavish sets combine with CGI to create incredible battle scenes that will awe the viewer, but Kingdom of Heaven also raises serious questions about faith, violence, and religious zealotry. Also starring Liam Neeson, and Jeremy Irons.