Henderson Community College presents the Spring 2010 Film Series

Cinema’s New Faces: The Changing Technology of Film

Where: Room 310 Sullivan Technology Center--Free Admission, Films Begin at 6:30 p.m.

Metropolis (1926, 115 min., black & white, silent) Jan. 28
One of history’s most influential movies, Metropolis established the Science Fiction genre.  In a future civilization divided between thinkers and workers, the beautiful Maria tries to bring equality into the world.  She faces class distinctions, the threats of mechanization and alienation, and resistance from entrenched interests.  Sound timely?  Directed by Fritz Lang; starring Brigitte Helm, Alfred Abel, and Gustav Froehlich; discussion led by Steve McCarty.


The Grapes of Wrath (1940, 129 min., black & white, “talkie”) Feb. 11
During the Great Depression, a family is driven from their farm.  As they migrate to California in hopes of finding jobs, they face despair, hunger, humiliation, and a government that seems indifferent to their plight.  The film is based on John Steinbeck’s novel of the same name.  Directed by John Ford; starring Henry Fonda, Jane Darwell, and John Carradine; discussion led by Bill Dixon and Katie Griffis.

The Searchers (1956, 119 min., VistaVision) Feb. 25
Hailed by critics as “the Best Western Film,” The Searchers is the story of a man’s hunt for his kidnapped niece.  Ethan (John Wayne) finds his family killed and two nieces captured by Comanches.  Ethan’s obsessive pursuit highlights racism, family obligations, and the worth of a life.  Directed by John Ford; starring John Wayne, Natalie Wood and Jeffrey Hunter; discussion led by Mike Knecht.


The Wizard of Oz (1939, 101 min., Technicolor) March 11
A tornado spirits Dorothy and Toto away from their Kansas home; to get back they have to avoid witches and get help from the Wizard of Oz.  En route they are joined by a Cowardly Lion, a Tin Man, and a Scarecrow.  Directed by Victor Fleming; starring Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, and Jack Haley; discussion led by Cary Conley.

Jurassic Park (1993, 127 min., CGI--Computer Generated Imaging) April 1
Using DNA extracted from amber, an amusement park entrepreneur brings dinosaurs back to life.  But when the carnivorous dinos get hungry, the guests become the menu.  Innovative new CGI methods introduced in Jurassic Park still shape how we watch movies today.  Directed by Steven Spielberg; starring Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum; discussion led by Kevin Reid.

All films are shown in the Sullivan Technology Center

Thursdays - Room 310   

Show Time 6:30 p.m.

Admission is free and a discussion follows each film.