Sometimes a movie is so good the story needs to be told again. In this film series, three remarkable movies were chosen to illustrate this point. Each movie can stand on its own as a notable film, but when paired with its remake, the experience is that much more interesting.
After the first film in the pairing, we’ll take note of various details, such as acting style, language, culture, costuming, and cinematography. Later in the week, we’ll compare and contrast the original with the remake and how, with the passage of time, they differ in significant ways. I hope you join me in this unique experience as we enjoy these exceptionally talented artists:
Weeks One and Two: A Star is Born (1937), Janet Gaynor and Fredric March, directed by William Wellman; A Star is Born (2018), Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, directed by Bradley Cooper. (Please be prepared to stay 10 minutes longer after the second movie.)
Weeks Three and Four: Brief Encounter (1945), Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard, directed by David Lean; Brief Encounter (1974), Sophia Loren and Richard Burton, directed by Alan Bridges.
Weeks Five and Six: Cinderella (1950), animated, Walt Disney Productions; Cinderella (2015), Lily James and Cate Blanchett, directed by Kenneth Branagh.
Each week, a film will be shown in its entirety, followed by class discussion.