Director Douglas Sirk’s work has undergone perhaps the greatest critical reevaluation of any of the films of Hollywood’s Golden Age. IMITATION OF LIFE is considered a towering achievement of cinema in today’s critical context, however, when it was released in 1959, it was generally derided as a kitschy soap opera aimed at female audiences in the mood for a good cry. Join us as we examine the social mores of the 1950s that gave rise to the misinterpreted film text that is now rightfully acknowledged as a classic.
This class will be taught by Foster Hirsch, a professor of film at Brooklyn College and the author of sixteen books on film and theater. Movie Madness will have copies of Hirsch’s latest book, Hollywood and the Movies of the Fifties, available to purchase on the day of class, which he’ll be signing.
The film will be screened at the Movie Madness Miniplex, followed by an instructor-led discussion.
Class size will be limited to 18.
Questions? Email us at education@moviemadness.org
This class will be taught by Foster Hirsch, a professor of film at Brooklyn College and the author of sixteen books on film and theater. Movie Madness will have copies of Hirsch’s latest book, Hollywood and the Movies of the Fifties, available to purchase on the day of class, which he’ll be signing.
The film will be screened at the Movie Madness Miniplex, followed by an instructor-led discussion.
Class size will be limited to 18.
Questions? Email us at education@moviemadness.org
In general, the Hollywood Theatre does not provide content advisories about the subject matter shown in our theatre. Films exhibited don’t necessarily reflect the views of the Hollywood Theatre. Information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media and DoesTheDogDie.com.