Some Fun Film Studies

• 12 Angry Men starring Henry Fonda. My students knew how the wrongly accused kid felt; and grew to appreciate that grown men would argue to find the truth.
• Finding Forrester with Sean Connery. A young Black writer and his mentor confront their fears of finding themselves.
• Emma by Jane Asten, starring Gwyneth Paltrow. Particularly moving is Emma and Mr. Knightly scene confronting her for her insensitive put-down of a longtime friend. The depth of emotion, shame and regret amid the undercurrent of love stirs the heart.
• Little Women with Winona Ryder. Who knew the simple joy of an orange in winter, or the beauty of giving up breakfast for the poor family down the road, and the singular anticipation of a writer's first book, of kindred souls finally together, and family sweet.
• Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. That moment in the study playing the piano, when after a callous comment, intended to hurt Elizabeth, and which could wound Mr. Darcy's sister, Elizabeth covers swiftly to protect her and earns the deep admiration of Darcy.
• Taming of the Shrew with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Both brilliant.
• Band of Brothers Spielberg. The film and the book by Major Richards combine for an in-depth study of leadership.
• Lend Me Your Ears by Safire. Oops! This is a book, filled with some of the greatest speeches in world history with enlightening introductions on the literary devices employed in each.

So many more will be added to the list. But it's a start.