History & Film

History & Film

Spring 2006 Schedule
All films shown on Wednesday evenings, 7:00 PM
Walker Hall 133 (Screening Room)

February 15
Elizabeth (directed by Shekhar Kapur, 1998)

A lavishly-produced biography of the tumultuous early years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England, Elizabeth features romance, political intrigue, gorgeous costumes, and somewhat creative history. Cate Blanchett plays the title role; the supporting cast includes Geoffrey Rush, Joseph Fiennes, and Richard Attenborough. Golden Globe-Best Actress (Cate Blanchett).

March 8
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.

April 5
Black & White in Color (directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, 1976)

In 1915 in a remote colonial outpost in west Africa, French colonists learn that France and Germany are at war back in Europe. Determined to do their part to help their country, they decide to take their handful of rifles and newly-drafted African soldiers to attack the German colonial outpost down the road. Annaud’s satire, based loosely on historic events, is a biting look at patriotism, racism, and war, as relevant today as it was thirty years ago. Academy Award: Best Foreign Language Film. In French with English subtitles.

April 26
The Pianist (directed by Roman Polanski, 2002)

Based on the autobiography of Wladyslaw Szpilman, a Polish classical musician, The Pianist tells the story of Szpilman’s experiences in Warsaw during the Holocaust. Directed by Roman Polanski, a Holocaust survivor himself whose mother was murdered in the Nazi death camps, The Pianist is a intense and dramatic portrayal of survival in the midst of horror. Multiple awards, including Academy Awards for Best Actor (Adrien Brody) and Best Director, and the Palme d’Or (Cannes Film Festival).

February 15	Elizabeth (directed by Shekhar Kapur, 1998)
	A lavishly-produced biography of the tumultuous early years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England, Elizabeth features romance, political intrigue, gorgeous costumes, and somewhat creative history. Cate Blanchett plays the title role; the supporting cast includes Geoffrey Rush, Joseph Fiennes, and Richard Attenborough. Golden Globe-Best Actress (Cate Blanchett).

March 8	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.

April 5	Black & White in Color (directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, 1976)
	In 1915 in a remote colonial outpost in west Africa, French colonists learn that France and Germany are at war back in Europe. Determined to do their part to help their country, they decide to take their handful of rifles and newly-drafted African soldiers to attack the German colonial outpost down the road. Annaud’s satire, based loosely on historic events, is a biting look at patriotism, racism, and war, as relevant today as it was thirty years ago. Academy Award: Best Foreign Language Film. In French with English subtitles.

April 26	The Pianist (directed by Roman Polanski, 2002)
	Based on the autobiography of Wladyslaw Szpilman, a Polish classical musician, The Pianist tells the story of Szpilman’s experiences in Warsaw during the Holocaust. Directed by Roman Polanski, a Holocaust survivor himself whose mother was murdered in the Nazi death camps, The Pianist is a intense and dramatic portrayal of survival in the midst of horror. Multiple awards, including Academy Awards for Best Actor (Adrien Brody) and Best Director, and the Palme d’Or (Cannes Film Festival).