FLM 154 — Seven Hidden Gems: Films Critics Missed but Viewers Loved
Quarter: Summer
Instructor(s): Mick LaSalle
Date(s): Jun 27—Aug 15
Class Recording Available: No
Class Meeting Day: Thursdays
Class Meeting Time: 6:30—9:00 pm (PT)
Please Note: No class on July 4
Tuition: $420
Refund Deadline: Jun 29
Unit(s): 1
Status: Registration opens May 20, 8:30 am (PT)
Quarter: Summer
Day: Thursdays
Duration: 7 weeks
Time: 6:30—9:00 pm (PT)
Date(s): Jun 27—Aug 15
Unit(s): 1
Tuition: $420
Refund Deadline: Jun 29
Instructor(s): Mick LaSalle
Recording Available: No
Status: Registration opens May 20, 8:30 am (PT)
Please Note: No class on July 4
In this course, we will look at seven outstanding movies that were vastly underrated by critics and try to understand why. When we do, we will find that critical errors usually fall into predictable patterns having to do with the expectations that critics bring into the theater. Often these are genre expectations. Some action films (Taken and Non-Stop) earned poor reviews simply for being action movies. Click, an Adam Sandler comedy, had profound things to say about how people go through life but was dismissed by most critics as mindless amusement. Critics often label films of genuine emotion as “sentimental” (What Happens Later and One Day) and despite criticizing actors for not taking risks, they often become goon squads enforcing conformity whenever an actor—and particularly an actress—does something different (such as Jennifer Aniston in Derailed and Blake Lively in The Rhythm Section).
George Orwell said, “To see what is in front of one’s nose needs a constant struggle.” This course will encourage vigorous discussion and will welcome different opinions. The goal is to foster open minds and independent thinking, so that students can become more clear-thinking and incisive than the majority of professional critics.
George Orwell said, “To see what is in front of one’s nose needs a constant struggle.” This course will encourage vigorous discussion and will welcome different opinions. The goal is to foster open minds and independent thinking, so that students can become more clear-thinking and incisive than the majority of professional critics.
All films will be viewed in class.