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  • February 14, 2011
  • Christine Davis Mantai

The Big Heat
Chinatown

Brick

The next film in SUNY Fredonia’s American Studies Film Series series is Ryan Johnson's "Brick," on Thursday, April 28, at 6:30 p.m. in Thompson Hall E347. All are welcome.

Since Feb. 10, the series is featuring six films that identify with film noir and showcase how the element of film noir has developed in modern films. Each film will be introduced by a Fredonia professor and all films are free and open to the public. The series was organized by the SUNY Fredonia American Studies Department and sponsored by the SUNY Fredonia Interdisciplinary Studies Program.

Film Noir is often identified with a certain type of dark, cynical feel and a visual style that emphasizes black and white low-key lighting and off-set compositions. These elements combine to present a film with a dark atmosphere of cynicism and oppression. This first glimpse of this style was conceived in the U.S. throughout the 1940’s and 50’s and it generally dealt with, and is most recognized in, films about detectives dealing with crime and corruption.

The series includes: 

“Brick” (2005), directed by Ryan Johnson—Thursday April 28, 6:30 p.m., Thompson Hall E 347. Associate Professor of English and American Studies Shannon McRae will introduce the film.

To learn more, contact Professor Shannon McRae at 716-673-3848 or mcrae@fredonia.edu


ALREADY SHOWN: 

“Scarface” (1932), directed by Howard Hawks – Thursday, Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m., Thompson Hall E 347. Associate Professor of Communication, Kathleen McDonough will introduce the film....

“The Big Heat” (1953), directed by Fritz Lang — Thursday, Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m., Thompson Hall E 347. Visiting Assistant Professor of Modern Language, John Antosh will introduce the film. ... 

“Touch of Evil” (1958), directed by Orson Welles— Thursday March 24, 6:30 p.m., Thompson Hall E 347. Assistant Professor of History, Eric Meringer will introduce the film.

“Chinatown” (1974), directed by Roman Polanski—Thursday April 7, 6:30 p.m., Thompson Hall E 347. Professor and Chair of History, Ellen Litwicki will introduce the film.

“Mulholland Drive” (2001), directed by David Lynch—Thursday April 21, 6:30 p.m., Thompson Hall E 347. Visual Arts and New Media Lecture Douglas McCord will introduce the film