History & Film

History & Film
Spring 2002 Schedule

All films shown on Wednesday evenings (except for Kundun), 7:00 PM, in the Community Room (Robson Library 112).

February 6
Elizabeth
(directed by Shekhar Kapur, 1998)

A lavishly-produced historical biography of the tumultuous early years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England. Cate Blanchett plays the title role; the supporting cast includes Geoffrey Rush, Joseph Fiennes, and Richard Attenborough. Awards: Golden Globe (Best Actress–Cate Blanchett).

March 6
Les Misérables
(directed by Bille August, 1998)

This adaptation of the classic novel by Victor Hugo tells the story of Jean Valjean, a convict trying to rebuild his life, and Inspector Javert, the policeman who relentlessly pursues him across France. Hugo’s story of redemption and revenge is set against the backdrop of the 1830 revolution – the grim realities of poverty and despair juxtaposed with the idealism and violence of revolution. Starring Liam Neeson, Geoffrey Rush, Uma Thurman, and Claire Danes.

March 27
Mountains of the Moon
(directed by Bob Rafelson, 1990)

In 1857, two explorers set out to search for the source of the Nile River in Africa. Before they found Lake Victoria, they would have to endure attacks by spears, lions, and even beetles, but in the end, it was their own rivalry that would destroy them. Part adventure story, part character study, Mountains of the Moon is a fascinating depiction of the quest for glory, knowledge, power, and wealth that was imperialism during the Victorian age. Based on a true story, the film stars Patrick Bergin as Sir Richard Francis Burton and Iain Glen as John Hanning Speke.

April 17
Gallipoli
(directed by Peter Weir, 1981)

Two young Australians confront the horror of war as they fight in the Gallipoli campaign, one of the most notorious military disasters of World War I. A moving look at war and friendship, Gallipoli is a powerful indictment of the carnage of the Great War. Starring Mark Lee and Mel Gibson, in one of his first starring roles. Awards: Australian Film Institute (including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor–Mel Gibson, Best Screenplay); Golden Globe nomination (Best Foreign Film).

May 2
Kundun
(directed by Martin Scorsese, 1997)

A beautifully-filmed biography of the fourteenth Dalai Lama, Kundun tells the story of the Tibetan spiritual leader: his identification as the reincarnated Dalai Lama at age two, his development as the spiritual and political leader of his people, the bitter conflict between China and Tibet, and, finally, his exile to India in 1959. With an award-winning score composed by Philip Glass and starkly contrasting images of serenity and violence, Kundun is a movie that appeals to both emotion and intellect. Awards: Academy Award nomination (Best Cinematography, Best Music–Original Dramatic Score); multiple awards for cinematography (Boston Society of Film Critics, New York Film Critics) and music (LA Film Critics, Golden Globe).

February 6	*Elizabeth* (directed by Shekhar Kapur, 1998)
	A lavishly-produced historical biography of the tumultuous early years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England. Cate Blanchett plays the title role; the supporting cast includes Geoffrey Rush, Joseph Fiennes, and Richard Attenborough. Awards: Golden Globe (Best Actress–Cate Blanchett).

March 6	*Les Misérables* (directed by Bille August, 1998)
	This adaptation of the classic novel by Victor Hugo tells the story of Jean Valjean, a convict trying to rebuild his life, and Inspector Javert, the policeman who relentlessly pursues him across France. Hugo’s story of redemption and revenge is set against the backdrop of the 1830 revolution – the grim realities of poverty and despair juxtaposed with the idealism and violence of revolution. Starring Liam Neeson, Geoffrey Rush, Uma Thurman, and Claire Danes.

March 27	*Mountains of the Moon* (directed by Bob Rafelson, 1990)
	In 1857, two explorers set out to search for the source of the Nile River in Africa. Before they found Lake Victoria, they would have to endure attacks by spears, lions, and even beetles, but in the end, it was their own rivalry that would destroy them. Part adventure story, part character study, Mountains of the Moon is a fascinating depiction of the quest for glory, knowledge, power, and wealth that was imperialism during the Victorian age. Based on a true story, the film stars Patrick Bergin as Sir Richard Francis Burton and Iain Glen as John Hanning Speke.

April 17	*Gallipoli* (directed by Peter Weir, 1981)
	Two young Australians confront the horror of war as they fight in the Gallipoli campaign, one of the most notorious military disasters of World War I. A moving look at war and friendship, Gallipoli is a powerful indictment of the carnage of the Great War. Starring Mark Lee and Mel Gibson, in one of his first starring roles. Awards: Australian Film Institute (including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor–Mel Gibson, Best Screenplay); Golden Globe nomination (Best Foreign Film).

May 2	*Kundun* (directed by Martin Scorsese, 1997)
	A beautifully-filmed biography of the fourteenth Dalai Lama, Kundun tells the story of the Tibetan spiritual leader: his identification as the reincarnated Dalai Lama at age two, his development as the spiritual and political leader of his people, the bitter conflict between China and Tibet, and, finally, his exile to India in 1959. With an award-winning score composed by Philip Glass and starkly contrasting images of serenity and violence, Kundun is a movie that appeals to both emotion and intellect. Awards: Academy Award nomination (Best Cinematography, Best Music–Original Dramatic Score); multiple awards for cinematography (Boston Society of Film Critics, New York Film Critics) and music (LA Film Critics, Golden Globe).