Entertainment & Film   

Mr. Holmes is a 2015 movie, directed by Bill Condon, and starring Ian McKellen as Sherlock Holmes and Laura Linney as his caretaker. Holmes is retired and living in Sussex where he occupies himself as a beekeeper. At this point of his life, he is on the onset of dementia and is haunted by a past memory which he is unable to remember clearly. It is a bitter-sweet movie which takes place just after World War II. The movie runs about two hours and will be followed by discussion about the film and all things Sherlockian. New remote workshop. Format includes lecture, discussion, and film.

The 8-year period from 2016 to 2024 saw an amazing output of exceptional films produced and directed by black filmmakers. These filmmakers blend the lines of genre and share a talent for telling stories with a modern and provocative sensibility. The films received
a multitude of award nominations and wins — and are rich in content, performance, and production elements. All that being said, film is ultimately a subjective experience. You may not like all the films, but you will find they are ripe for discussion and reflection. Film examples: Moonlight and Farewell Amor.

Note: This is a 3-hour class. New in-person course. Format includes film and discussion.

Was “Tinker, Tailor” too slow? Was Burton in “Spy … from Cold” too robotic? Were the “Bourne’s” and “Mission: Impossible’s” too beyond Superman? How about we watch six of the following at home (we’ll choose together after you sign up) while perusing the questions/issues I send, and freely comment in Zoom class on some more agreeable and believable cloak-and-dagger-related movies (with IMDb ratings): Spy Among Friends [7.7]; Skyfall [7.8]; The Conversation [7.7]; Imitation Game [8.0]; Bridge of Spies [7.6]; Notorious [7.9]; Casino Royale [8.0]; Hunt for Red October [7.5]; Munich [7.5]; No Way Out [7.1]. (Disclaimer: Preparation for a future American Stasi is not implied.) New remote course. Format includes lecture, discussion, and film.

We will watch a one-hour version of this short story, starring Jeremy Brett, which will be followed by a discussion of the film and other Holmesian material. New remote workshop. Format includes film and discussion.

Dracula, Bride of Frankenstein, The Mummy, and The Invisible Man were just the beginning for a studio with numerous accolades for its silent films as they transitioned into the "talkie" era. Embark on a journey as we explore six films during this period that gave us the conventions, characteristics, and atmospheres that were used in many thrillers for decades to come. Discussion will explore the history, production values, performers, directors, and impact that these films had on what followed.

New in-person course.
Format includes film and discussion.