Movies Everyone Should (but May Not) Have Seen.

Richard Lewin, United Church of Christ pastor, retired.

Thursdays. 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. October 7, 14, 21, 28. Bohm Theatre.

Class Limited to 80 participants—if you are interested in this class, be sure to read the “Policy for Limited Enrollment Classes.”

There are many movies of historical significance, artistic genius, with wonderful storylines, and ground-breaking technology that should be seen, even decades after their release. This class will view four such movies — wonderful movies, movies that should be seen… ESPECIALLY if you have not been fortunate enough to have already seen them. There will be time provided for conversation regarding the viewing event.

Movie 1: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)

Made in Germany in 1920, this silent film was the “first true horror film”, cult film, and a precursor for arthouse films. Considered a classic, it had a major influence on American films, particularly in the genres of horror and film noir. The film has been described as portraying the story of a nightmare, while the frame story is “the real world”. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari remains terrifying a century after it first stalked the screen.

Movie 2: Gates of Heaven (1997)

This film has become an underground legend: audiences cannot decide if it is serious or satirical, funny or sad, sympathetic or mocking. Roger Ebert put it on his 10-greatest films ever made list, and said: “I was not joking; this 85-minute documentary film about pet cemeteries has given me more to think about over the past 30-years than most of the other films I have seen.”

Movie 3: The Secret Life of Bees (2008)

A realistic, heart-warming coming-of-age story (based on the novel of the same name by Sue Monk Kidd). The cast includes Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, Sophie Okonedo, and Paul Bettany, and tells a story that takes us back to 1964 in racially-stressed South Carolina – the story of a 14-year-old girl (Lily Owens) who is haunted by the memory of her late mother. To escape her lonely life and troubled relationship with her father T-Ray, Lily flees with Rosaleen (her black caregiver and friend) to a town that holds the secret to her mother’s past. Taken in by the intelligent, and independent Boatwright sisters, Lily finds solace in their mesmerizing world of beekeeping.

Movie 4: WALL-E (2008)

A heart-warming Pixar animated tale that takes place in a distant, but not so unrealistic, future: the earth covered with trash, a rubbish-collecting robotic hero who accidentally discovers the way to save planet Earth 700 years after humanity has abandoned it. An almost experimental silent film in the first half, the film evolves into a sparkling adventure, comedy, and love story.

Important: There is a $10 charge to help cover the cost of the theatre rental.