There will be a short discussion after each film for those who wish to stay. Come along and sample our new, improved sound system. You will be very welcome.
Film Appreciation: May – September 2018
Monday 28 May: ‘Starman’
Starman is a romantic science-fiction film starring Jeff Bridges and Karen Allen. Bridges plays the gentle alien who comes to earth and learns what it means to be human. It is an objective reflection on aspects of our society as observed by someone from another planet. It has moments of sadness but also humour. It is a thought-provoking enjoyable film. The film was nominated Best Science Fiction Film and Jack Nitzsche received a Golden Globe nomination for his score which contains some lovely music.
Monday 25 June: ‘Pretty Woman’
Pretty Woman is a modern day Cinderella fantasy that captured the hearts of cinema-goers all over the world. It is a feel-good romantic comedy about a down on her luck ‘working girl’ whose chance encounter with a handsome business man leads to an improbable love affair and a change of life style. It is a feel-good film starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. The film saw the highest number of ticket sales ever in the US for a romantic comedy. Following the film’s success Roberts became the romantic comedy queen of the 1990s and Roy Orbison’s song became a smash hit.
Monday 23 July: ‘Ragtime’
Ragtime is a 1981 American drama film based on the 1971 historical novel of the same name. The action takes place in and around New York City early in the 1900s and is an interesting mixture of fact and fiction. The film combines footage of early stars from the beginning of cinema with music from the Ragtime era. On a more serious note Coalhouse Walker Jr. is a black man fighting racism in America at that time, leading to a dramatic situation at the end of the film. Ragtime was nominated for eight Oscars and stars James Cagney.
Monday 27 August: ‘The Artist’
The Artist is a 2011 romantic comedy drama in the style of the old black and white silent films. It takes place in Hollywood in 1927. George Valentin is a silent movie film superstar. The advent of the talkies will sound the death knell for his career and see him fall into oblivion. Young extra, Peppy Miller, is in the opposite position and destined for stardom. The film tells the story of their interlinked destinies as the film industry moves on. It was very well received and won three Golden Globes, seven Baftas and five Academy Awards. It is a very unusual film and undoubtedly therein lies its popularity.
Monday 24 September: ‘Lilies of the Field’
The film was released in 1963 in America . It stars Lilea Skarla and Sidney Poitier. Homer Smith, an African-American handyman, stops by a farm in rural Arizona where a group of nuns are living. Homer realises that the farm needs a lot or work and does some repairs for them. The nuns are so touched by his kindness that they come to believe that he has been sent by God to build a chapel for them. It is a feel good movie that was a trend setter at the time, a low-budget movie that went straight to the heart. Sidney Poitier won the 1963 Academy award for best actor, the first black star to be awarded this. The film was nominated for many other awards.
Film Appreciation Group Urgent Notice.
To keep the Film Group running after September I need two new volunteers to help with organising programmes and publicity, setting up the films (training will be provided) and setting out refreshments. My warmest thanks go to Marion and David Sunderland who have done a wonderful job for a long time but need a break. If you are willing to help – please contact Pat – 01695 570039 or Peter Trigwell – 07930 697290. Thank you.
