The Story of America in 12 Films
Marc Lapadula is a Senior Lecturer in the Film Studies Program at Yale University. He is a playwright, screenwriter and an award-winning film producer. In addition to Yale, Marc has taught at Columbia University’s Graduate Film School, created the screenwriting programs at both The University of Pennsylvania and Johns Hopkins–where he won Outstanding Teaching awards–and has lectured on British and American Theatre and playwriting. Lapadula has given highly acclaimed classic film lectures on a wide range of cinema topics across the country at notable venues, such as: The National Press Club, The Smithsonian Institution, The Commonwealth Club, The Cleveland Museum of Art, and The New York Historical Society.
Overview
The Story of America in Film reflects the multi-faceted narrative of a diverse nation in all its thrilling and turbulent complexity. By utilizing six major themes in the categories listed below, bold filmmakers from a range of artistic backgrounds and political, social, and cultural eras form a genuine composite sketch of American Life — framing in sharp relief where we’ve been, where we are now, and where we might be headed in the future.
1. The American Dream – films: The Godfather (I&II) & West Side Story
2. Coming of Age – films: The Graduate & Lady Bird
3. Social Justice – films: To Kill A Mockingbird & Do The Right Thing
4. War – films: – Saving Private Ryan & The Best Years Of Our Lives
5. On the Road – films: – Rain Man & Thelma And Louise
6. The Underdog – films: – Hoosiers & Rocky