The Movie Musical: Staging the Screen

While adaptations make up the majority of movie musicals, in The Movie Musical: Staging the Screen, we’ll look at how the movie musical has always already been its own distinct form, with a series of four musical films that originated on screen.   This class will revel in the experiments that directors and composers have dreamt up by making the screen the stage, with a focus on works that are uniquely cinematic. Expect some classics you might not have known originated as films, and some deep cuts that push the form in truly experimental ways!   Films:
02/07: Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
02/14: The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)
02/21: The Happiness of the Katakuris (2001)
02/28: Burlesque (2010)


This class will be taught by Max Swanson, a filmmaker/performer, writer, educator, and organizer based in Portland, OR. They currently also teach at NW Doc and PSU, and work as a freelance story consultant. They are also a co-producer of the local drag and art collaborative Max & Mars Present.   Films will be screened at the Movie Madness Miniplex, followed by an instructor-led discussion. Classes will begin on Wednesday, February 7th, and be held each Wednesday through the 28th at 6:30pm.   Class size will be limited to 18.   Questions? Email us at education@moviemadness.org