FLF 201: FILMS & CULTURAL VIDEOS : SPRING 2006

CALENDAR & MOVIES INFORMATION

CALENDAR:

All of the following videos are on closed reserve at the Media Center. All videos will be shown on Monday and Tuesday (except the week of Labor Day) beginning at 4 PM in the Media Center of the Erdahl-Cloyd Wing of the Library. 

A. January 18-19: Edouard Manet: Painter of Modern Life (English, 27 minutes - MC)

     AND Berthe Morisot: The Forgotten Impressionist (English, 32 minutes - MC)

B. January 23-24: Memories of Monet (English, 29 minutes, - MC)

     AND Van Gogh Biography (English, 45 minutes – D)

C. January 30-31: The Biography of Picasso (English, 90 mins. - D)

NOTE:  For any of the above, you may substitute the full-length, feature film Camille Claudel.  It can be rented at most video rental stores and is also available for individual showing at the Media Center. The film is in French with English subtitles, 159 mins long -D

ONE VIDEO COMMENTARY on A, B, or C (IN ENGLISH) DUE:  M February 6

D. February 20-21: The Biography of Joan of Arc (English, 50 mins. - D)

E. February 27-28: Châteaux de la Loire (English, 60 minutes – D)

FILM  1:  March 13-17: Cyrano de Bergerac (French with English subtitles, 138 minutes -feature film - MC).  REQUIRED VIEWING BY ALL STUDENTS. COMPOSITION 3 based on Cyrano IS DUE MONDAY, MARCH 20. Film will be shown in Media Center on Monday through Thursday at 4 PM and 7 PM (and on Friday, March 17 at 3:30 PM only).

F. March 20-21: Edith Piaf: Non, je ne regrette rien (English with songs in French, 75 minutes - MC)

G. March 27-28: Chanel, Chanel: (English, 60 minutes - MC)

SECOND VIDEO COMMENTARY on D, E, F or G (IN ENGLISH) DUE: M April 3.

FILM  2:  Monday, April 3-Friday, April 7:  Au revoir, les Enfants.   (French with English subtitles -feature film - MC)  REQUIRED VIEWING BY ALL STUDENTS. FILM SHEET IS DUE MONDAY, APRIL 17.  Film will be shown in Media Center on Monday through Thursday at 4 PM and 7 PM (and on Friday, April 7 at 3:30 PM only).

FOR INSTRUCTOR'S INFORMATION ONLY:

D =  Video to be returned to Debora Godfrey's office.

MC = Video is permanently housed at the Media Center.

MOVIES INFORMATION:

A. Edouard Manet: Painter of Modern Life (English, 27 minutes) “This visually powerful documentary presents the great French Impressionist as a daring observer of the 19th century urban scene.  It examines Manet’s major paintings using the artist’s own words and those of his contemporaries.”

Berthe Morisot:  The Forgotten Impressionist  (English, 32 minutes) Although she was at the center of the Parisian avant-garde painting and influenced Renoir, Manet, and Degas, when she died, her death certificate listed her as having "no profession".  An interesting biography of a painter whose talent was often overshadowed by her womanhood. (Read p. 61 before seeing the video.)

B. Memories of Monet   (In English, 29 minutes) This is an award-winning documentary that blends superb views of Monet’s gardens at Giverny with his paintings.  The story is told in the words of Lilla Cabot Perry, an American artist who was the friend of Monet.  It includes very interesting information on several lesser-known American Impressionist painters: Robinson, Breck, Butler and Frieseke.

Van Gogh Biography (English, 45 mins.) "The story of the mad genius of painting including his famed run-in with his ear! Though he is now world famous, he sold only one canvas in his lifetime.  Hear Van Gogh's own words - taken from his letters to his brother - as he explains his life and work." 

C. The Biography of Picasso (English, 90 mins.). A fascinating look at the life and work of the most influential artist of the 20th century. Intriguing parallels between his life and his art.

Camille Claudel  (French with subtitles, 150 mins.- a feature-length film): "A historically accurate depiction of two great sculptors of modern art: Camille Claudel and Auguste Rodin.  Both an inspiring saga of artistic vision and the haunting story of a doomed romance, it offers a brilliant study of the thin line separating creativity, passion, and madness."  (Several scenes of nude models.) (Read p. 65 before viewing the video.)

D. The Biography of Joan of Arc (English, 90 mins.):  The complete story of the "Maid of Orleans" who was burned as a heretic and became a saint. (Read pp.106-107 before seeing the video.)

E. Châteaux de la Loire (English, 60 mins.) “For many centuries, the Loire Valley was the setting for the French kings’ itinerant capital, with each individual château as court headquarters during a given season.  It was here in this garden spot of France that the monarchy discovered the Renaissance.”  Includes views and history of Chambord, Amboise, Chenonceaux, Chaumont, Blois, Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, Cheverny & many more. (Read pp. 140-147 before seeing the video.)

F. Edith Piaf: Non, je ne regrette rien (English with songs in French, 75 mins.):  Marvelous biography of the beloved French singer, Edith Piaf.  Contains many of her most memorable songs with background information supplied by her famous friends. Copious archival footage of her fascinating life and times. (Read p. 177 before seeing the video.)

G. Chanel, Chanel  (English, 60 mins.): "The world of fashion has produced no more charismatic figure than Coco Chanel, the famous fashion designer whose sense of style, and simplicity and ease of clothing became her hallmarks. Using rare archival footage, this program explores the course of her career as well as the fascinating story of her personal life.”