The opening moments of a film are crucial.  In a great movie, those first few minutes provide the key to the rest of the film.  Like the opening paragraphs of a novel, they draw  the viewer in, setting up the thematic concerns and stylistic approach that will developed throughout the movie.  Annette Insdorf's new book, CINEMATIC OVERTURES: How to Read Opening Scenes, is an in-depth examination of those opening moments and how they work. In her talk for us, she'll focus in particular on three films-- Schindler's List, Apocalypse Now, and The Piano--showing clips and exploring how those opening sequences lay the groundwork for everything that will follow.

Annette Insdorf is Professor of Film at Columbia University's School of the Arts and is the moderator of the popular "Reel Pieces" series at the 92nd Street Y.  Her books include Francois Truffaut; Double Lives, Second Chances: The Cinema of Krzysztof Kieslawski; Philip Kaufman; and the landmark study Indelible Shadows: Film and the Holocaust.  She has been a jury member and a panel moderator at countless film festivals.

Cinematic Overtues: How to Read Opening Scenes will be available for purchase, and a booksigning will follow the talk.

Advance registration is REQUIRED—no tickets will be sold at the door.

DRESS CODE: Business Casual is fine for the event itself, but if you are thinking of staying for dinner (the Pub at The Lambs will accept credit cards), JACKETS & TIES will be required for men. No denim, sneakers, or such.

This is a joint event with THE LAMBS.

Special thanks to Andy Goodwin and the Plymouth Hill Foundation.

Members, Register Here

Purchase tickets   $5.00 Members & Friends