Great Italian American Cinema

About this course:

The cinema of Italy has given the world great films and has influenced film movements worldwide. From the groundbreaking works of the Italian neorealist movement to the stylized crime dramas and spaghetti westerns that inspired generations of American filmmakers, Italian cinema has left an indelible mark on the art form. Italian American films also play a major role in shaping perceptions and sometimes misperceptions of Italian American identity, and explore themes such as family, community, immigration, and assimilation. In this swing through the big screen, we watch and discuss five Italian American films and their filmmakers. These include Goodfellas (1990), directed by Martin Scorsese; Miller’s Crossing (1990), directed by the Coen brothers; Moonstruck (1987), directed by Norman Jewison; Big Night (1996), co-directed by Campbell Scott and Stanley Tucci; and Godfather II (1974), directed by Francis Ford Coppola. At the end of this course, we gather at an Italian restaurant for lunch.