Lights Camera Action

By Amy Calhoun

What is it that draws us to film? For some it is action, others the story and some would say cinematography.

In his book, The Power of Film, UCLA professor Howard Suber suggests it is the give and take of film that makes is appealing and memorable.

"The audience projects onto the image on the screen the relationship between thought and emotion. It is therefore an active collaborator in the process ofconstructing the story.

The trick, of course, is to get the audience to project onto the screen what you intend them to."

While Suber is specifically referring to memorable American films, the same still spplies to the viewing of international films - maybe even more so.

In languages you may not even speak, you are actively projecting upon what you are viewing as well as quickly absorbing the dialogue through subtitles - and you are drawn in. The protagonist and antagonist demonstrating their "individual human decisions and actions, and the consequences of both" (Suber) often relate to our own lives through these actions.

Film in any language can fascinate us, help us to create our own stories and simply release us into an experience outside of our own.

At the MAC, we look forward to sharing Global Flicks with you this season and hope you will join us this fall for three films.

Tuesday, Sept. 6, 1:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Sita Sings the Blues
Web site



Tuesday, Oct. 4, 1:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Hadewijch
Web site




Tuesday, Nov. 22, 1:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Anita
Web site