Italian Film: Culture and Conversation

This course will focus on the genre of Italian romantic comedy over the past 20 years.  The films all engage with the cultural issues of their time and range from realistic portrayals of provincial life to surrealist comedies of irony and melancholy.

After we view each film a guided conversation will be conducted in Italian!  Anyone can enjoy the films and all proficiencies in the Italian language are welcome for the conversation portion.

Attend one screening or attend them all!

The Films:

Wednesday, April 10:  We Have a Pope (102 mins; 2011)  Directed by Nanni Moretti.  At the Vatican, following the demise of the Pope, the conclave to elect his successor settles on Cardinal Melville. But the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square wait in vain for the new Pope to step out on the balcony. What is going on?

Wednesday, April 17:  Il Postino, The Postman (108 mins; 1994)  Directed by Michael Radford.  Simple Italian postman learns to love poetry while delivering mail to a famous poet; he uses this to woo local beauty Beatrice.

Wednesday, April 24:  Bread and Tulips (114 mins; 2000)  Directed by Silvio Soldini.  Rosalba is a housewife who misses her tour bus while traveling.  When her husband calls to tell her to stay put, she rebels and decides to hitchhike towards home.

Wednesday, May 1:  Ginger and Cinnamon (109 mins; 2003)  Directed by Daniele Luchetti.  When Stefania breaks up with her boyfriend Andrea, little does she realize what the summer has in store for her!

Wednesday, May 8:  Days and Clouds (118 mins; 2007)  Directed by Silvio Soldini.  Michele loses his job but doesn't tell his self-absorbed wife Eve!

Wednesday, May 15:  Caterina in the Big City (107 mins; 2003)  When her father is transferred to Rome from a small country town Caterina, a 12 year old girl, discovers a whole new world.