The Story of America in Film
Marc Lapadula is a Senior Lecturer in the Film Studies Program at Yale University. He is a playwright, screenwriter and an award-winning film producer. In addition to Yale, Marc has taught at Columbia University’s Graduate Film School, created the screenwriting programs at both The University of Pennsylvania and Johns Hopkins–where he won Outstanding Teaching awards–and has lectured on British and American Theatre and playwriting. Lapadula has given highly acclaimed classic film lectures on a wide range of cinema topics across the country at notable venues, such as: The National Press Club, The Smithsonian Institution, The Commonwealth Club, The Cleveland Museum of Art, and The New York Historical Society.
Overview
The Best Movies About America
This ambitious movie presentation, The Story of America in Film, reflects the multi-faceted narrative of a diverse nation in all its thrilling, tumultuous, tragic, and triumphant complexity. By utilizing six major themes in the categories listed below, talented filmmakers from different eras and unique artistic backgrounds and sensibilities form a genuine composite sketch of American Life — framing in sharp relief where we’ve been, where we are now, and where we, as a people and a country, might be heading in the future. The music soundtracks from each film will be showcased since film composers so often play a pivotal role in making a powerful cinematic experience so memorable.
The Most Influential Movies on American Culture
- The American Dream – films: The Godfather (I&II) & West Side Story
- Coming of Age – films: The Graduate & Lady Bird
- Social Justice – films: To Kill A Mockingbird & Do The Right Thing
- War – films: – Saving Private Ryan & The Best Years Of Our Lives
- On the Road – films: – Rain Man & Thelma And Louise
- The Underdog – films: – Hoosiers & Rocky
Learn More About the Movies that Represent American Culture
For more lectures about movies that represent American culture, check out our American History lectures, and other great lectures including The Meaning Behind A Date That Will Live In Infamy, The Four Most Powerful Ancient Rulers, and The Greatest Military Strategists & Tacticians. Sign up for One Day University Membership today for unlimited access to hundreds of talks and online lectures.