Music and The Movies
Villanova Cultural Film & Lecture Series Fall 2012 - Spring 2013
Connelly Center Cinema – Villanova University
Each film will be shown three times: Sundays at 3:30 & 7 pm and Mondays at 7 pm with guest speaker. Admission is free to all patrons. For more information, contact Dr. John O’Leary at john.o’leary@villanova.edu or by calling 610-519-4454
La Vie en Rose
September 23-24
Speaker: Joan Lynch
This French biographical film documents the life story of Edith Piaf, a French chanteuse whose renowned songs appear throughout the film. This award winning film is the first French film that won two Oscars and is critically acclaimed.
All That Jazz
September 30- October 1
Speaker: Rick Worland
This award winning 1979 American musical film is based on the life of Bob Fosse and his career as a dancer, choreographer and director. The film depicts Fosse’s effort to produce the 1975 musical, Chicago at the same time he was editing his film Lenny.
Once
October 7-8
Speaker: John Buckley
Once is a 2006 Irish musical film about a musical entertainer and an immigrant who spend an eventful week together in Dublin. There they wrote, rehearsed and recorded songs about their romance. Come enjoy this award-winning film and soundtrack.
The Band’s Visit
October 28-29
Speaker: Ruth Anolik
This comical movie follows a band of members of the Egyptian police force as they journey to Israel in order to play at the inaugural ceremony of an Arab arts center. However, there is a twist when they discover that they are in the wrong town.
Strictly Ballroom
November 4-5
Speaker: Derek Arnold
This Australian romantic comedy illustrates the story of Scott Hastings, a ballroom dancer, whose steps do not abide by the standards of ballroom dancing. Join us as we experience Hastings’ unusual routine
Beyond These Walls
November 11-12
Speaker: Student Film Makers
There are over 59,000 blind children in the United States. This documentary follows three students at the Overbrook School for the Blind in Philadelphia who are brought together by the school’s music program. The students share their experiences at Overbrook and the role music plays in their lives.
The Circus
December 2-3
Speaker: Boris Briker
The Circus was produced in 1936 in the Soviet Union and stars the glamorous and gifted singer, Lyubov Orlova. The film’s many songs instantly became Soviet classics, “Song of the Motherland” being the most famous.
The Pianist
January 27-28
Speaker: Elana Starr
This biographical war film follows the story of Władysław Szpilman, a Jewish pianist who struggles to survive the horrific events of World War II. Come experience the strife that he endured and the beautiful music that he gifted the world.
Moulin Rouge
February 3-4
Speaker: Susan Mackey- Kallis
Set in the Montmartre Quarter of Paris, France, this musical follows the romance of young English poet Christian who falls in love with Satine, the terminally- ill cabaret actress and courtesan. It was nominated for eight Oscars at the 74th Academy Awards.
Singin’ in the Rain
Speaker: John-Paul Spiro
Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds star in this 1952 American musical comedy. It takes place in Hollywood where these three stars portray actors caught in the transition from silent film to talkies. The film was directed and choreographed by Gene Kelly.
Black Orpheus
February 24-25
Speaker: Celeste Mann
Black Orpheus (Portuguese: Orfeu Negro) was made in Brazil in 1959 and based on the Greek legend of Orpheus and Eurydice. This film is set in the modern context of a shanty town in Rio de Janiero during the Carnaval.
A Song in the Dark
March 17-18
Speaker: George Strimel
Clips from various early musicals demonstrate the development of this important genre.
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
April 7-8
Speakers: Dan Jefferson and Susan Marcosson
Two young Parisian lovers are forced to separate when Guy gets drafted for military service in Algeria. Their promise to be faithful to each other becomes complicated when Roland, a wealthy jeweler, is able to help Genevieve when she needs it the most.
The Commitments
April 14-15
Speaker: Joseph Lennon
The Commitments is a 1991 comedy which tells of working class Dubliners who form a soul band. Jimmy Rabbitte is disgusted with bands in Ireland and forms his soul band in the tradition of Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, James Brown and Wilson Pickett. Jimmy’s band is made up of eccentric members who fall apart in a clash of egos.
Chico and Rita
April 21-22
Speaker: Jo Ansolabehere
Chico and Rita are wonderful musicians whose harmonious interest brings them together. Throughout this film, we see their relationship develop and then fall apart due to heartbreak and torment. Come along for this seductive journey and experience the rich Spanish culture this film possesses.
