Great Directors:  Art-House Cinema

Fall 2024 Session

** FULL with Waitlist **

The group will view and critique six classic art-house films--directed by a range of directors from different countries and eras. As film critics and film studies scholars point out, the art house film tends to be serious in subject matter and artful or experimental in treatment. That is, the art house film is made for aesthetic reasons and is independently produced for a niche market, typically an international audience of discerning viewers. The art house film director may employ lesser-known or non-professional actors, utilise modest or existing sets, and explore or develop new cinematic story-telling techniques. Ultimately, the art house film conveys the filmmaker’s personal artistic vision. 

The following films will be viewed and discussed: Fritz Lang, M (1931); Vittorio De Sica, BICYCLE THIEVES (1948); Ingmar Bergman, SEVENTH SEAL (1957); Franҫois Trufaut, THE 400 BLOWS (1959); Agnes Varda, CLEO FROM 5 TO 7 (1960); and Nicolas Roeg, WALKABOUT (1971).  The objective is for members to increase their understanding and appreciation of the collaborative art of filmmaking in general, and to expand their knowledge and appreciation of classic art house films, and of international filmmakers.

Members will view each film together and then share their responses and insights into various aspects of the films, such as screenplay, direction, acting, production design, cinematography, themes and symbols, sound, and editing.  Members who wish to do so may assume responsibility for leading the discussion of a particular film.

Facilitators are Robert M. Seiler and Tamara P. Seiler, Professors Emeriti, Dept. of Communication, Media and Film, University of Calgary, authors of REEL TIME: MOVIE EXHIBITORS IN PRAIRIE CANADA, 1896 TO 1986 (Edmonton, 2013). 

For more information or to join the waitlist, contact Facilitator  If no email template opens: right click on "Facilitator" button, choose "copy the email address".  Then open your regular email program, start a new email and in the "To:" line, right click and paste.