R.A. play films as time of fellowship with students
On New Year’s Eve, Taylor Forbes ’20 set a goal for 2019: Watch 365 movies in 365 days. A resident assistant in Fry Apartments, she invites friends and residents to her apartment for movie nights, which has stirred up good conversation and fellowship among students.
“Watching movies with others is so much better than watching them alone,” said Forbes, a human development and family sciences major. “I want to share my thoughts, hear what others have to say and have some good discussions on what we just saw.”
The idea of watching 365 movies came from her residence director, Caleb Miller ’14. In 2013, Miller took the course “From Script to Screen,” taught by Crystal Downing, distinguished professor of English and film studies. Downing has tasked students with reading plays before watching the film adaptations, which inspired Miller to watch more movies. So, why not 365?
Taking a cue from Miller, Forbes has watched all the Academy Award Best Picture winners from 1929 to present. “Undoubtedly, social and political climates impact what we put on the screen,” she said. “This serves as a reminder that movies reflect the values of our country, but they have the power to change those values, too.”
Not all movies she watches are Oscar nominees, though. She enjoys Disney movies and franchises such as “Harry Potter” and “Star Wars.”
“Movies allow us to dream,” she said. “They may provoke ethical dilemmas, but they have the power to bring people together, start a good conversation and influence others.”
— Jake Miaczynski ’20
- “If Beale Street Could Talk”
The best film from an artistic standpoint, it covers the issues of systemic racism in America but reminds the viewer what unconditional love looks like through the devastation of unnecessary incarceration. - “Slumdog Millionaire”
I love the use of flashbacks to tell this story. It shows how childhood trauma can impact the lens we look at life through and how it will impact our success as adults. - “The Rabbit-Proof Fence”
The story of Aboriginal Australians mirrors a lot of political issues we are seeing in the world today, especially with immigration and incarceration. It reminds us that these issues are global, not just domestic. - “Moonlight”
This film shows how an individual develops from childhood through adulthood, highlighting issues of race and sexuality. It is so important to understand that everyone’s life story is different, and all are worth being heard. - “Crash”
Weaving several connected stories about family dynamics, classism, racism and sexism after 9/11, there isn’t a happy resolution to the movie. It serves as a reminder that we still aren’t anywhere near the reconciliation we need in society to truly love one another. The resolution has to come from within the viewer, and I loved that aspect of the film.