CRI Art: Movies   

Japanese animated film creator and director Hayao Miyazaki heads one of the most internationally recognized and awarded anime studios of all time, Studio Ghibli. Aesthetically stunning, Miyazaki’s creations tell fantastical tales featuring strong women and girl characters. Though many have been captivated by Studio Ghibli’s Oscar-winning blockbusters like “Spirited Away,” the casual viewer may not recognize the profound political commentary Miyazaki and his fellow artists incorporate throughout their animated works intended for adults and children alike. This class will explore the anti-war messaging of Studio Ghibli’s films, investigating its fictional portrayals of armed conflict and imperialism, as well as how their protagonists present alternative solutions to violence. This course is perfect for those with both a casual and invested interest in learning more about this unique animated art form as well as those passionate about social justice.

We’ve had these moments watching a movie: the characters speak, and events unfold as the narrative progresses. Suddenly, we are no longer observers but part of the experience. Goosebumps appear; our heart races. We are carried forward into wonder, feeling what the characters feel, propelled through the story’s twists and turns. Often what places us there is music. Join us to discover how music for a film can do this. We will explore segments from a variety of films, learn their stories, and see how film composers meet the challenge of going beyond the narrative.

Movies express society’s hopes, fears, values, conflicts, and dreams. Film offers a deeper understanding of the culture that produced it. We will introduce you to the language of cinema and explore how filmmakers use image, editing, sound, performance, genre, and narrative to create meaning. Through film clips, discussion, and historical context, students will gain tools to understand, discuss, and appreciate visual storytelling. We will examine how films reflect and shape the world. From changing social values to historical events and cultural anxieties, movies offer a unique window into the concerns of their time and the reasons certain stories continue to resonate across generations. For casual viewers and dedicated movie lovers, this course will deepen students’ enjoyment of film while providing new ways to think about cinema and culture. Examples may include “The Wizard of Oz,” “Casablanca,” “Singin' in the Rain,” “Rear Window,” “The Graduate,” “Jaws,” “Star Wars,” “The Matrix,” or “Get Out.”