August Film Discussion

Heeding an excellent recommendation from our group members, the next film we will discuss is actually 2 films... both based on the play The Lower Depths, by Maxim Gorky. The first adaptation comes from 1936, from the acclaimed French director Jean Renoir (of Grand Illusion fame). The second version arrived in 1957, from Japan's finest director Akira Kurosawa. Both directors have been clearly moved by the themes of the play in their different renderings, in particular their exploration of humanity's ongoing challenge of accepting harsh truths versus living with the comfort of lies, and how most of the characters in this play choose to deceive themselves from the bleak reality of their condition. Criterion issued a two-fer DVD set of both films packaged with a fine booklet... and for extra credit :) some group members are also reading the source play. How exciting!

See you all on Wednesday, August 1, at 7pm.