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. February 2, 9, 16, 23. Bohm Theatre. No class limit. Fee for Theatre, $10 for the series.

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 shall view four such movies — wonderful 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 Red Shoes (1948)

Widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made. A young ballerina becomes torn between her love for composer Julian Craster and artistic devotion to her profession, which is dominated by impresario Lermontov. Winner of two academy awards, the film is visually one of the most innovative and beautiful works of cinema.

Movie 2: The Turin Horse (2011)

On January 3, 1889, Turin Italy, Friedrich Nietzsche steps out of the doorway of number six, Via Carlo Albert. Not far from him, a cab driver is having trouble with a stubborn horse. The horse refuses to move, whereupon the driver loses his patience and takes his whip to it. Nietzsche puts an end to the brutal scene, throwing his arm around the horses neck, sobbing. After this, he lies motionless and silent for two days on a divan, until he loses consciousness and his mind. Somewhere in the countryside, the driver of the cab lives with his daughter and the horse. Outside, a windstorm rages. Immaculately photographed in the director’s renowned long takes, THE TURIN HORSE is the final statement from a master filmmaker.

Movie 3: Withnail & I (1987)

The finest “cult film known to humanity”! Camden Town, the arse-end of the sixties. Two struggling, unemployed actors decide some respite is in order and so depart their miserable flat for a week in the Lake District — one that will involve rain, booze, minimal supplies, a randy bull, and an even randier Uncle Monte.

Based on the real-life experiences of former actor turned writer/director Bruce Robinson, WITHNAIL & I has become one of British cinema’s most fondly remembered comedies. A cult film in the truest sense that has also become a classic — crammed with irresistibly quotable dialogue; a sheer delight, even on the umpteenth viewing.

Movie 4: Harold & Maude (1971)

A coming of age comedy. In this essential cult-classic, Harold [Bud Cort] is a death-obsessed teen, who falls for Maude [Ruth Gordon], a happy-go-lucky, eccentric 79-year-old. Maude teaches Harold a valuable lesson about making the most of his time on Earth.