FILM APPRECIATION SERIES: DUAL-ROLE SERIES
FILM APPRECIATION SERIES: DUAL-ROLE SERIES
FILM APPRECIATION SERIES: DUAL-ROLE SERIES
August 29 – The Whole Town’s Talking (Released 2/22/1935) directed by John Ford, 93 minutes. A quiet clerk bears a striking resemblance to an escaped convict and inevitably, their paths cross. Edward G Robinson and Jean Arthur star in this template for this style of film with the two characters in sharp contrast with one another, providing a showcase for Robinson’s talent. Ford’s expert direction along with cinematographer Joseph August’s convincing photography make the film possible.
September 12 – The Dark Mirror (Released 10/18/1946) directed by Robert Siodmak, 85 minutes. The primary suspect in a murder case has a solid alibi; then the investigating officer discovers she has a twin sister. Olivia de Havilland stars as the twins in this psychological film noir along with Lew Ayres and Thomas Mitchell.
September 19 – Joe Versus the Volcano (Released 3/9/1990) directed by John Patrick Shanley, 102 minutes. A terminally ill man agrees to throw himself into a volcano to save an island nation. Meg Ryan plays 3 roles in this overlooked gem from the Tony Award winning playwright (Doubt) and Academy Award winning screenwriter (Moonstruck). The first time a good writer has the opportunity to direct a film, it’s often his or her best chance of creating a magnificent work of art. Some write this movie off as a goofy rom com; but if you look deeper it stands out as an uplifting testament about living life to the fullest.
October 10 – Dead Again (Released 8/23/1991) directed by Kenneth Branagh, 108 minutes. A Los Angeles private detective investigates the circumstances of a mute woman with amnesia. Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson who each play a dual role were a British power couple who took early 90’s Hollywood by storm collaborating in this film, Henry V, and Much Ado About Nothing. Their chemistry and Branagh’s bold direction along with several strong supporting character performances make this neo-noir, thriller/mystery memorable.
October 17 – Adaptation (Released 12/6/2002) directed by Spike Jonze, 115 minutes. Screenwriter Charlie Kaufman struggles to adapt The Orchid Thief, a popular nonfiction best seller by Susan Orlean. Nicolas Cage is entertaining as he plays the twin brothers Charlie and Donald Kaufman, but Meryl Streep and Chris Cooper steal the show, with Cooper winning a Best Supporting Actor Oscar.
October 24 – Enemy (Released 9/8/2013) directed by Dennis Villeneuve, 90 minutes. A history professor discovers an actor who is his doppelgänger. His obsession leads to an uneasy blending of their lives. This is a meditation on identity and the subconscious that demands interpretation and does not reveal itself easily. The French Canadian writer/director hit the big time with Arrival in 2016 and the two Dune adaptations which grossed 1.15 billion worldwide.
Film Appreciation is an ongoing class open to everyone with a love for movies. We examine and discuss in a relaxed atmosphere all aspects of film and filmmaking from how movies are made to each film’s unique place in movie history.
Our class is a dedicated, easy going group of film lovers who have respectful discussions. We talk about what makes a movie great and why some last for decades and others are lost in obscurity. Think of it as a book of the month club for movies.
Please pay attention to the schedule of this class as it will last all summer long! Although each class officially begins at 3pm, some participants choose to come early at 2:30pm to watch bonus material such as scenes from related movies and extra content related to the series or each particular screening.
The class is led by Luke MacCloskey an actor with a degree in Film Studies from the University of North Texas who has experience working on stage and screen all around the country. Please call him at 646-705-4807 or email him at lukedad@gmail.com if you have any questions about Film Appreciation.
