JULY FILM CLASS WITH IAN MCIVER

Robert Altman's Filmmaking Style : Keep it simple.

Robert Altman, one of America's most distinctive filmmakers,  was an ever-restless artist who both worked within and bucked the system while turning out nearly 40 idiosyncratic films in as many years. We will explore his unique  filmmaking style - keeping the dialogue anecdotal; trying to get it to sound more like life and less like writing; more like behaving and less like acting; overlapping dialogue, a restless camera, an ensemble cast, spontaneity, improvisation and a touch of impudence.

Film Class was created to provide a forum for nurturing a deeper understanding of film culture and to keep the tradition of the film-going experience alive here in the Napa Valley. This series was created by Ian McIver.  Ian will rotate Film Class with David Garden through the summer.

TUESDAYS / 1:00 PM  /  TICKETS $10 at the Door

TUESDAY,  JULY 9

GOSFORD PARK
(2001) 118 min  \ Mystery

Robert Altman journeys to England for the first time to create a unique film mosaic with an outstanding ensemble cast. Set in the 1930's, "Gosford Park" brings a group of pretentious rich and famous together for a weekend of relaxation at a hunting resort. But when a murder occurs, each one of these interesting characters becomes a suspect.  Ensemble cast includes: Michael Gambon, Kristin Scott Thomas, Ryan Phillipe, Stephen Fry, Clive Owen, Helen Mirren, Eileen Watkins, Emily Waston, Alan Bates, and Derek Jacobi. 6 Oscar Nominations; Winner for Best Screenplay.

TUESDAY,  JULY 16

NASHVILLE
(1975) 180 min / Drama

In this acclaimed Robert Altman drama, the lives of numerous people in the Tennessee capital intersect in unpredictable ways. Delbert Reese (Ned Beatty) is a lawyer and political organizer who is having difficulties in his marriage to Linnea (Lily Tomlin), a gospel vocalist. Other performers heavily featured in this renowned ensemble production include country singers Barbara Jean (Ronee Blakley) and Connie White (Karen Black), who are rivals in the city's thriving music scene. 5 Oscar Nominations; Winner for Best Song

TUESDAY, JULY 23

MCCABE & MRS. MILLER
(2007) 120 min / Western

Charismatic gambler John McCabe (Warren Beatty) arrives in a mining community and decides to open a brothel. The local residents are impressed by his confident demeanor and fast talk, but crafty prostitute Constance Miller (Julie Christie) sees through McCabe's words and realizes he isn't as sharp as he seems. For a share in his profits, Mrs. Miller agrees to help plan and run McCabe's establishment, but soon a powerful company threatens to destroy what they have built up.  1 Oscar Nomination

TUESDAY, JULY 30

M*A*S*H
(1970) 156 min / Dark Comedy

The staff of a Korean War field hospital use humor and high jinks to keep their sanity in the face of the horror of war. Bold, timely, subversive, and above all funny, M*A*S*H remains a high point in Robert Altman's distinguished filmography.  5 Oscar Nominations; Oscar for Best Screenplay; Winner  Palm d'Or Cannes Film Festival.