Longtime cinema fans are no strangers to the solitary nature of
their hobby.
Just mentioning the name “Affleck” around a St. Louis-area
enthusiast produces a shudder, followed by the maddening urge to
retreat into the artsy confines of the Tivoli’s bright lights. The
Internet provides a metaphysical gathering place for these lost
souls to bitch about friends who skipped The Pianist for
XXX, but a sterile computer screen hardly compares with
actual human interaction.
Realizing this, the film studies and student life departments
have arranged the second Campus Film Series.
The curriculum features a selection of the last decade’s finest
films, and countries all over the globe are represented.
Series director Jean-Louis Pautrot said, “The films were chosen
for their entertainment value and relevance to the University
mission. We tried to stay away from films that are too arthouse or
marginal.”
Student input was essential for the film selection committee,
which consists of several faculty members from the fine and
performing arts, English, communication and history departments.
Faculty members throughout the modern and classical languages
contributed their expertise to ensure that the series’ foreign
films would appeal to a wide audience.
The majority of the films selected were made after 2000, giving
the series a sense of timeliness.
Opening Jan. 22 with Martin Scorsese’s epic Gangs of New
York, the series has thus far adhered to Pautrot’s promise. The
cutthroat struggle of New York City immigrants is highlighted by
Daniel Day Lewis’ mesmerizing performance as Bill the Butcher.
Scorsese’s alluring visuals complement his story, and the
incredible tracking shots within Gangs excuse its occasional
narrative gaffes.
Although many of the films are foreign, and may intimidate the
prospective viewer, Pautrot believes that they portray universal
themes. Love is especially prominent.
An unlikely friendship is forged from two men’s grief for their
comatose girlfriends in Habla con Ella.
International tension underscores The Quiet American‘s
Vietnam-era love triangle. Frida celebrates one woman’s
passions for art, politics and sexuality. Finally, everyone loves
Chicago.
The state-of-the-art equipment contained within Kelley
Auditorium will offer viewers a cinematic experience rife with lush
color and aural enjoyment.
With the exception of spring and Easter breaks, the Campus Film
Series will run every Thursday this semester. Showtime for each
film is 7 p.m., and there is no cover charge. For further
information, check one of the many posters tacked up across campus.
Better yet, stop by Pautrot’s office in Ritter Hall 339 and ask him
for one.
They’re quite colorful, and flattery may get you first dibs on
his free popcorn during movie nights.
