Movies That Matter with Tom Samp: Families (1970-1996)

A FREE, 9-week course to discuss movies about American families. With the social upheavals of the 1960s and 70s, the traditional nuclear family began to change. Hollywood responded with a number of classic movies that observed family issues that are universal regardless of race, gender, age, or economic level. These films have artistic, cultural and social importance; they make us laugh, and they move us deeply. We will study great filmmaking and maybe learn a little bit about ourselves.     

(Films marked with a * are Recommended for Mature Audiences)  

*Mar. 9: “Ordinary People” (1980) Starring Mary Tyler Moore, Donald Sutherland, Timothy Hutton, Judd Hirsch. Classic tear-jerker about a family in crisis. Conrad Jarrett suffers depression and guilt after a tragic boating accident. His father Calvin is desperate to connect with him; his mother Beth is cold and distant. Conrad finds help from a no-nonsense psychiatrist, until another disaster threatens his family for good.  Sutherland and Moore are stunning in Robert Redford’s directorial debut. Oscars for Best Picture and Director, and for Hutton in a devastating performance. Based on Judith Guest’s best-seller.

No tickets needed.  Auditorium Doors open at 2:30pm.