Here’s What’s In The Bundle!
VIDEO
The Cinematic Genius of Steven Spielberg
Marc Lapadula | Yale
No filmmaker in the history of cinema has been so successful across such a vast range of story genres for as many decades as Steven Spielberg. The most innovative and technically-dazzling visionary of his generation of movie directors, Spielberg has meticulously created a multi-faceted body of work that reveals an inspired artist and virtuoso craftsman obsessed with pushing the boundaries of his cinematic ambitions. From science fiction, fantasy, action-adventure and comedy to hard-edge dramas and searing war films, Spielberg has done it all, forging a distinguished career that showcases a filmmaker on top of his extraordinary talent for six decades.
Clips from DUEL, JAWS, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, SCHINDLER’S LIST, E.T., SAVING PRIVATE RYAN and other Spielberg classics will be screened and discussed.
VIDEO
The Genius of Alfred Hitchcock
Marc Lapadula | Yale
For many scholars and movie critics, Alfred Hitchcock continues to be regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers in the history of world cinema. With a career that spanned six decades, he was anointed the Master of Suspense with a slew of films that brought audiences to the edge of their seats. Beneath the often shocking surface images lurked a mesmerizing and richly-layered psycho-sexual subtext that involved the intertwining of cryptic layers, revealing a far more sophisticated artistic ambition than he’s been given credit for— Marc exhumes and unravels Hitchcock’s intent to shed the proper light on what this grandmaster of cinema was so eloquently expressing in his films. In this lecture, Marc looks at the man and his films, bringing understanding to his place on the coveted list of towering film talents. Lecture includes clips from: The 39 Steps, Notorious, Shadow of a Doubt, Rear Window, Psycho and The Birds.
VIDEO
The Films of Stanley Kubrick
Marc Lapadula | Yale
Perhaps the most controversial filmmaker of his era, Stanley Kubrick has been awarded this honor based on only a dozen films in a career that spanned five decades. Kubrick once remarked: “If it can be written or thought, it can be filmed.” His ambitious masterpiece, 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, revolutionized the way contemporary filmmakers would ever again “envision” their medium by inspiring a new generation of cutting-edge cinematic artists who facilitated even bolder technological innovation. But Stanley Kubrick’s contributions to film are much more than those of a sophisticated visual stylist. Rich in powerful social themes and nightmarish subtexts, his films, no matter what their genre, force viewers to confront startling aspects of human civilization.Excerpts from his greatest films will be screened and discussed. They will include:
DOCTOR STRANGELOVE, 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, THE SHINING and FULL METAL JACKET.
VIDEO
Six Essential Films with Truly Great Writing
Marc Lapadula | Yale
You don’t need to be an aspiring screenwriter to notice and appreciate extremely good screenplays. And there are many memorable films whose narrative construction, character development, and solid plotlines make them especially memorable. In this memorable first-time-ever presentation Yale Film Professor Marc Lapadula will show and discuss clips from 6 of them to illustrate what makes them so great:
Movies With Great Screenplays
- SULLIVAN’S TRAVELS
- GENTLEMAN’S AGREEMENT
- HEAVEN CAN WAIT, RAIN MAN
- A FEW GOOD MEN
- THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
VIDEO
The Story of America in 12 Films
Marc Lapadula | Yale
The Story of America in Film reflects the multi-faceted narrative of a diverse nation in all its thrilling and turbulent complexity. By utilizing six major themes in the categories listed below, bold filmmakers from a range of artistic backgrounds and political, social, and cultural eras form a genuine composite sketch of American Life — framing in sharp relief where we’ve been, where we are now, and where we might be headed in the future.
1. The American Dream – films: The Godfather (I&II) & West Side Story
2. Coming of Age – films: The Graduate & Lady Bird
3. Social Justice – films: To Kill A Mockingbird & Do The Right Thing
4. War – films: – Saving Private Ryan & The Best Years Of Our Lives
5. On the Road – films: – Rain Man & Thelma And Louise
6. The Underdog – films: – Hoosiers & Rocky
Premium Program
CALLING ALL MOVIE LOVERS: A SPECIAL DISCUSSION
Marc Lapadula | Yale
Professor Lapadula will host a one-time-only, private zoom session on July 14th at 8pm EST (5pm Pacific) for purchasers of the Film Lovers Bundle. This small group discussion allows participants to dig deep into specific movies, the movie making process, screen writing techniques and whatever else you’ve always wanted to know about movies.
The Zoom link will be sent to you a few days prior to the session.