It’s back-to-school time, and our brains are pleasantly softened by the sun and by TV—whether we’re watching it at our grandparents’ house or at a hotel, or through almost daily viewings of *Frozen* with the kids. Or, if we’ve gone on a digital detox, our eyes are filled with images of the beach and light dancing on the water, and a white-blue sky and nothing at all.
And it’s wonderful, but it’s still back-to-school time. And this fall, we’re taking a film class—because why not? After all, we give our opinions left and right—especially after a drink. The Museum’s Film Program will finally—at long last!—award us a certificate for completing the FILM 101 course.
We’re getting our notebooks, our glasses, and probably a beret ready—and we’re quickly booking our tickets for the five FILM 101 classes, from September 8 to December 8, 2026.
FILM 101: INTRODUCTION TO CINEMATIC LANGUAGE
It’s very serious—FILM 101 is a real course to take, and a studious one at that. We talk about the “Seventh Art,” we talk about structure and artistic intent. According to the Museum of Cinema,
Among the films to be screened are great classics like Orson Welles’ *Citizen Kane* (1941) and Alfred Hitchcock’s *Vertigo* (1958).
And, a little less well-known but absolutely delightful, the sublime *American Psycho* (2000) by Mary Harron and *Blow Out* (1981) by Brian de Palma. The course will conclude with a screening of the cult classic (and widely considered the “perfect film”) *Rashomon* (1950) by Akira Kurosawa.
PRACTICAL INFO
Where? Cinéma du Musée, at 1379-A Sherbrooke Street West
When? September 8 through December 8, 2026
CLASS #1—DIRECTING: Tuesday, September 8 at 6 p.m. / CITIZEN KANE (1941) by Orson Welles
CLASS #2—CINEMATOGRAPHY: Tuesday, September 22 at 6 p.m. / *Vertigo* (1958) by Alfred Hitchcock
CLASS #3—EDITING: Tuesday, October 20 at 6 p.m. / *American Psycho* (2000) by Mary Harron
SESSION #4—SOUND: Tuesday, November 17 at 6 p.m. / *Blow Out* (1981) by Brian De Palma
CLASS #5—SCREENWRITING AND NARRATIVE STRUCTURE: Tuesday, December 8 at 6:00 p.m. / *Rashomon* (1950) by Akira Kurosawa
What? Classes are on Tuesdays, and cost $8 each; for all the details, click here
