View Poll Results: What movie would you pick for a "history movie night?"
Putney Swope
2
6.67%
The Naked Prey
2
6.67%
Secret Honor
1
3.33%
Coming Home
0
0%
Harlan County U.S.A.
2
6.67%
Downfall (Der Untergang)
15
50.00%
Nanook of the North
0
0%
The Mission
2
6.67%
Little Big Man
6
20.00%
Hombre
0
0%
Voters: 30. You may not vote on this poll
"History Movie Night" - What do I show?
01-26-09, 03:43 PM
#30
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: "History Movie Night" - What do I show?
I thought of that too . . . might be too mainstream for what he's looking for.
Also just thought of that fact that Downfall might turn some people off because it's subtitled (which is a shame, but reality) . . . just a thought.
What about some of the other big civil war movies? Gods & Generals? Gettysburg? Or . . . one of my favorites . . . Andersonville? Andersonville could be a good lead in to discussion of the issues around Guantanamo. Of course, those are all longer films and can be pretty graphic (not sure if there any restrictions on that).
Also just thought of that fact that Downfall might turn some people off because it's subtitled (which is a shame, but reality) . . . just a thought.
What about some of the other big civil war movies? Gods & Generals? Gettysburg? Or . . . one of my favorites . . . Andersonville? Andersonville could be a good lead in to discussion of the issues around Guantanamo. Of course, those are all longer films and can be pretty graphic (not sure if there any restrictions on that).
01-26-09, 03:55 PM
#31
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Re: "History Movie Night" - What do I show?
Gods and Generals, while based on a very good book, sucked ass. Gettysburg is great (and fairly historically accurate), but long.
01-27-09, 11:51 AM
#33
DVD Talk Legend
Thread Starter
Re: "History Movie Night" - What do I show?
i'm down between Downfall, Naked Prey, and a 3rd I forgot all about: Punishment Park. I figure with all the Guantanamo talk going on that might be an interesting one...and it's certainly something none of them will have seen.
Good to see so many fans of Downfall...i saw it in the theater and was absolutely blown away...it really is stunning.
01-27-09, 11:56 AM
#34
DVD Talk Legend
Thread Starter
Re: "History Movie Night" - What do I show?
From that list I'd pick "Downfall". It's a great film, highly entertaining, and it's not mired in simplistic notions of good vs evil.
Other suggestions:
Sacco e Vanzetti Magnificent rendition of the people, circumstances and atmosphere surrounding the infamous "Palmer Raids" in the US in 1919-1921. Saddly, I don't think there's an R1 DVD.
The Battle of Algiers The best cinematic depiction of revolt against colonial rule. Brilliant film.
Paradise Now Considering how black and white people's views on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict are, this film, devoid of preaching and political rhetoric is a must-see and reminds us that this isn't CNN and that there are actually people involved. It will certainly raise questions and promote debate.
Stalingrad You might begin watching this film firmly committed to cheering the Russians and hating the Germans but by the end, you might cry for them all.
Reds Great film which provides good discussion material but probably too long for most audiences.
Plenty more, but that's just off the top of my head.
Other suggestions:
Sacco e Vanzetti Magnificent rendition of the people, circumstances and atmosphere surrounding the infamous "Palmer Raids" in the US in 1919-1921. Saddly, I don't think there's an R1 DVD.
The Battle of Algiers The best cinematic depiction of revolt against colonial rule. Brilliant film.
Paradise Now Considering how black and white people's views on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict are, this film, devoid of preaching and political rhetoric is a must-see and reminds us that this isn't CNN and that there are actually people involved. It will certainly raise questions and promote debate.
Stalingrad You might begin watching this film firmly committed to cheering the Russians and hating the Germans but by the end, you might cry for them all.
Reds Great film which provides good discussion material but probably too long for most audiences.
Plenty more, but that's just off the top of my head.
Reds is great...but too long...same with Stalingrad. I'm trying to avoid subtitles just because these are college kids who I need to get in the seats...Downfall might work simply because it's hitler - and it's absolutely riveting from start to finish. plus they've probably all see the stupid youtube videos of the one scene with various subtitles added to make it sound like he's talking about football, or star wars, or whatever
Glory is too Zwick
again...want to avoid that kind of melodrama stuff that is used so often in lazy classes anyway. the idea for me is to make them think and confront something they wouldn't otherwise confront. That's why I like the idea of Punishment Park or Naked Prey - as well as Downfall.
01-27-09, 01:13 PM
#35
DVD Talk Limited Edition
01-27-09, 02:33 PM
#36
Re: "History Movie Night" - What do I show?
Glory is too Zwick again...want to avoid that kind of melodrama stuff that is used so often in lazy classes anyway. the idea for me is to make them think and confront something they wouldn't otherwise confront. That's why I like the idea of Punishment Park or Naked Prey - as well as Downfall.
again...want to avoid that kind of melodrama stuff that is used so often in lazy classes anyway. the idea for me is to make them think and confront something they wouldn't otherwise confront. That's why I like the idea of Punishment Park or Naked Prey - as well as Downfall.
04-15-09, 10:27 PM
#38
DVD Talk Legend
Thread Starter
Re: "History Movie Night" - What do I show?
So I went with Punishment Park and it was pretty interesting. About 70 of them showed up - a record attendance for these. I had my students write a short response to it and they are filled with "I was shocked"; "I've never seen anything like it"; "this made me very emotional"; etc etc etc....in other words it made a hell of an impression on them. A lot of them thought it was real until after when I explained it wasn't...and you could see the relief wash over their faces
It was one of those times that I am glad I get to do what I do. Showing a bunch of college freshman Punishment Park introduced them to something they never would have otherwise seen and actually made them stop and think for a few minutes...something that's getting harder and harder to do these days. They made a lot of connections to the present day without me even prompting them to. Very cool.
It was one of those times that I am glad I get to do what I do. Showing a bunch of college freshman Punishment Park introduced them to something they never would have otherwise seen and actually made them stop and think for a few minutes...something that's getting harder and harder to do these days. They made a lot of connections to the present day without me even prompting them to. Very cool.
04-16-09, 03:52 PM
#40
Re: "History Movie Night" - What do I show?
That's a really interesting list on your poll. The only one I have never seen is DOWNFALL. I picked LITTLE BIG MAN as the one to show because I think the kids should see a western, even if it "deconstructs" the western. Also, it covers a lot of territory seen in other movies about Custer, Indians, Wild Bill Hickock, Wyatt Earp, etc. and it would be interesting to compare LBM with those other films. Also, the book by Thomas Berger would be interesting to the students. I read it in high school and saw the film then, too, and even did a presentation on the book in class.
I've never seen PUNISHMENT PARK.
I've never seen PUNISHMENT PARK.
