Exploring Film Through a Critical Lens with Sue Thornquist

Exploring Film Through a Critical Lens with Sue Thornquist A series of classes taught by a retired high school film teacher that discuss and study feature film I am a film lover and film buff from way back.

I am a retired English and Film teacher of 35 years at Downers Grove South High School in Downers Grove, IL. My most memorable early film experience was watching Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in the theater with my dad who was a major film buff himself. I was probably 12 or 13--my love of film was born. After majoring in English/Secondary Education and Speech at Augustana College, I went on t

o get a Masters degree in the Art of Teaching at University of Chicago. While I was at U of C, I minored in film. During my early teaching career at DGS, I designed and revamped two film classes, and taught them for over 25 years! I have a long history attending and participating in film festivals all over--from the Chicago International Film Festival, to the Roger Ebert Festival at University of Illinois in Champaign, to the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. I am currently a film screener for the Bend Film Festival taking place in October in Bend, Oregon. When I was teaching and would talk to friends about the Film Studies class at DGS, I would frequently get the response, "Wow, I'd like to take your film class. That sounds really fun!" After I retired, a number of people started asking me, "When are you going to teach a film class for adults? One I could take?" So, I began thinking seriously about it. And when the opportunity arose to utilize The Natural Path classroom space, well, that's when the idea took hold! I will be leading the "Exploring Film Through a Critical Lens" classes with guided, interactive film activities--pre-viewing & post-viewing--and discussion, as well as teaching specific tools for film viewing and analysis. I would love to have you join me in this upcoming sequel.

Hi Film Fans--I will be offering two films this summer--one to kick it off, and one to close it out. Both classes will b...
05/06/2022

Hi Film Fans--

I will be offering two films this summer--one to kick it off, and one to close it out. Both classes will be offered in both zoom and in-person formats.

The Australian film BABYTEETH , a Best Foreign film nominee from 2019 starring Eliza Scanlon ("Sharp Objects") will be in ZOOM format on Tuesday, May 31st from 7:00-9:00 pm and IN-PERSON format on Tuesday, June 7th from 6:15-9:45 pm (with the possibility of an earlier start time). This is a touching, humorous and very unique story of a teenage girl whose illness causes all kinds of challenges for her parents as they navigate a difficult time. Though it is a heavier subject, it is handled with grace, humor and hopefulness--it is one of my favorites from 2019!

Later in August (dates to be determined), we will be studying SUMMER OF SOUL, the wonderful documentary about the six week Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969--the one that nobody heard much about, partly because Woodstock overshadowed it. This film won Best Documentary at the 2022 Academy Awards. It is a real treat!

Please email me at [email protected] or send me a personal message through FB if you'd like more information and/or to sign up for a class. Class sizes are limited so book your space early!

Perhaps these images will inspire you to check out a few of my Oscar-nominated favorites!
02/21/2022

Perhaps these images will inspire you to check out a few of my Oscar-nominated favorites!

02/21/2022

Hi Film fans! Just a quick update to let everyone know that I am taking a little break and will not be offering any film classes during March.

However, I will resume classes in April and am looking at a couple dates mid month, or at the end of the month, for both a zoom and an in-person class.

Titles are TBD, but I am considering studying a Sidney Poitier classic, on the heels of the Oscars, Poitier's death and his history-making Oscar WIN. I am looking at TO SIR WITH LOVE, LILLIES OF THE FIELD or GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER. I taught IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT (my fav!) a few years ago.

I am also looking at independent film choices. A frontrunner is BABYTEETH, an Australian film starring Eliza Scanlon ("Sharp Objects").

I'll keep you posted! Stay tuned, and meantime, enjoy some Oscar nominees. I highly recommend "Being the Ricardos," "Tick tick...Boom!" "Power of the Dog" (be prepared for disturbing, weird, but powerful, haunting!) and "Belfast." There are other great ones, but these were among my favorites. I still need to see "C'mon C'mon" and "Drive My Car" among others!

Pass along your favorites and let's keep the conversation going! See you at the movies :).

START THE NEW YEAR WITH A COUPLE GREAT FILMS. Announcing Two films for January and February!January--BIG NIGHT (1996) Re...
01/02/2022

START THE NEW YEAR WITH A COUPLE GREAT FILMS. Announcing Two films for January and February!

January--BIG NIGHT (1996) Revisit this "foodie film" about two Italian brothers (played by Tony Shalhoub and Stanley Tucci) whose restaurant is floundering. They put it all out there for one BIG NIGHT when a famous guest is scheduled to visit. Revisit or see again this gem of a movie and experience actors Shalhoub, Tucci, Isabella Rosselini, Minnie Driver, Campbell Scott, Allison Janney early in their careers.

Zoom class - January 18th, 7-9 pm
In-person class - January 20th, 6:30-9:45 pm (vaccinations and masks required)

February--THE LUNCHBOX (2014)
The Best Foreign Language film from India, this lovely film centers around food as well--in the form of a lunchbox of delectable food that Ila prepared for her husband Rajeev that gets delivered to the wrong man. A widower loner named Saajan can't believe his good fortune when he receives this culinary treat. What ensues is transforming for the characters and a wonderful look at relationships, communication and how food has the ability to bring people together.

Zoom class - February 8th, 7-9 pm
In-person class - February 10th, 6:30-9:45 (vaccinations and masks required)

Please email me at [email protected] for more details and/or to sign up. Zoom classes are limited to 12-15 participants; in person classes are limited to 25 participants. Pre-payment is required to hold a spot--Zoom classes are $15 for an individual, $25 for a pair; In-person classes are $20 an individual, $35 for a pair.

OCTOBER FILM CLASSES ANNOUNCED:Alfred Hitchcock's 1954 masterpiece, "Rear Window"--in the Halloween spirit of suspense a...
09/18/2021

OCTOBER FILM CLASSES ANNOUNCED:

Alfred Hitchcock's 1954 masterpiece, "Rear Window"--in the Halloween spirit of suspense and mystery!

Two classes, different formats.

Tuesday, October 26th--Zoom class on "Rear Window"

Thursday, October 28th--In-person class on "Rear Window"

Message or email me at [email protected] for more information and/or to sign up. Spots are limited (22 in person, 12 on zoom).

Look through this "window" for a new perspective!

08/17/2021

Coming up is the 1967 classic COOL HAND LUKE w an amazing, performance by the incomparable Paul Newman. Two classes, one on ZOOM 8/24, the other in person on 8/26. PM me if you'd like more information. Limited spots available in person.

AN IN-PERSON option (fingers crossed) and a ZOOM option on THE SAME FILM!APRIL/MAY CLASSES: "The Shawshank Redemption," ...
04/15/2021

AN IN-PERSON option (fingers crossed) and a ZOOM option on THE SAME FILM!

APRIL/MAY CLASSES: "The Shawshank Redemption," starring Morgan Freeman & Tim Robbins

When: Thursday, April 29th (ZOOM--spots still available)
7:00-9:00 p.m

Thursday, May 6th (IN-PERSON, with ZOOM as backup--
depending on covid numbers and safety requirements!)
7:00-9:00 p.m *limited spots available, but I may add a
third date

Where: On ZOOM (code/link provided later); In-person at my
house in DG or the Movie Theater space at F.U.M.C of DG

1994 was a very good film year: Pulp Fiction, Forrest Gump, Four Weddings and a Funeral, The Fugitive...and The Shawshank Redemption. Who doesn't recognize the iconic lines,

"Get Busy Living or get busy dying."
"Salvation Lies Within."
"Hope is a dangerous thing."

It is a timeless classic of friendship, loyalty, survival, mystery, and, of course, justice & redemption--a film that many of us have watched countless times!

I'm excited to study this film with ADULTS, centering our discussion around the original novella by Stephen King on which the film is based, the screenplay by Frank Darabont, the amazing cinematography by the incomparable Roger Deakins, and the characters we come to know and love. Oh, and the storyling and themes as well. So much to discuss!

*Film viewing still must be done prior to class discussion since Shawshank is 2 hours and 20 minutes long. You can watch it on Youtube, Amazon Prime or order it on DVD or Blu-ray, or find it on DVD at area libraries.

A single ZOOM class continues to be offered at the low price of $15; it is $25 for a couple/duo. In-person class is $20/pp, and $35 for a couple/duo, due to rental fees and materials provided.

Contact me at [email protected] for more information, to request sign up or to be put on a waiting list.

Classes are limited to approx. 15 participants for best discussions!

Get Busy watching this great film!

I'm offering TWO new Zoom classes, March 23rd and 25th, on the same film! Both classes are almost full, but there's a sp...
03/07/2021

I'm offering TWO new Zoom classes, March 23rd and 25th, on the same film! Both classes are almost full, but there's a space or two in each if you're interested.

The Film: BEING THERE (1979)
The Time: 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
The Circumstances: You will watch the film on your own prior to our class date, using the pre- and during- viewing materials I will send via email. Then we will discuss the film together during our class time. Join in with other lively and interesting participants to discuss this funny, timely and relevant film, even today.

Classes are $15 for an individual; $25 for a couple/pair/duo

Private message or email me ([email protected]) for more information or to sign up, or to request future information on upcoming classes.

*BEING THERE is available on Amazon Prime and other streaming sites.

TWO ZOOM CLASSES ON THE SAME FILM!Well, we're constantly re-imagining how we're doing things these days! At the suggesti...
01/23/2021

TWO ZOOM CLASSES ON THE SAME FILM!
Well, we're constantly re-imagining how we're doing things these days! At the suggestion of a few participants, I'm trying a couple ZOOM film classes in February. They are almost full, via word of mouth, but there are a few spots available. Please contact me asap ([email protected] or private message me on FB) if you're interested in being added to a class, or put on a waiting list, and/or are interested in future classes in this format.

FEBRUARY CLASSES: 2007's Israeli film, "The Band's Visit"
A lovely foreign film, in a mixture of Arabic, Hebrew and English. Won 8 Ophir awards, the Israel equivalent of our Oscars. A perfect film for RIGHT NOW, as people from different cultures must co-exist for a short time, and somehow learn to understand and relate to one another.

When: Tuesday, February 9th
7:00-9:00pm
Thursday, February 11th
7:00-9:00

Where: On ZOOM (code/link provided later) Maximum 12 per class

Come "VISIT" with us!

11/16/2020

Just to let everyone know, I had intended to offer two classes in December on "The Band's Visit." I had arranged for us to meet in the Movie Theater space at FUMC of DG, our former location before COVID. However, I have been informed recently that the church has closed its doors because we are back to Tier Two restrictions. As a result, they are currently not offering in-person church services or renting classroom spaces.

There is a small chance that the status will change in a few weeks, and I am keeping informed. If we are able to book a space, I will offer the classes for a minimum of 10-12 participants (it's a 26 seater Movie Theater space) who are comfortable coming inside to a controlled space.

Stay Tuned. Meantime, there are a lot of good films on Netflix and Amazon Prime. Hoping we can reconvene before too long.

OUTDOOR GARAGE FILM CLASSES CONTINUE INTO NOVEMBER! (extra heaters added)With the success of previous outdoor classes fo...
10/25/2020

OUTDOOR GARAGE FILM CLASSES CONTINUE INTO NOVEMBER! (extra heaters added)

With the success of previous outdoor classes for "The Visitor" and "13th," I will be holding two final film classes outside for the satiric, social commentary "Get Out" (2017). Playing off the horror genre (and I don't do horror, but I LOVED this film), this provocative Oscar winner (Best Original Screenplay) and nominee (Best Picture, Best Director) is a great, timely film to discuss post Halloween season. Jordan Peele's film is an interesting pre-"Parasite" look at race and class. It will be a worthwhile film to discuss!

Two opportunities to participate: Thursday, November 5th from 5:-7:00 pm and Tuesday, November 10th, 5-7:00.

~Maximum of 10-12 persons, depending on how many couples who can sit close together.
~You will watch the film ahead of time (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Youtube) with provided, guided materials from me, then we convene to discuss in my open air garage.
~Both classes already have 6 participants signed up, so reserve your spot quickly!

Contact me at [email protected] for more information and/or to sign up. Solo participants are $15, couples/duos are $25.

Due to the recent success of OUTDOOR film classes for "The Visitor," I am offering two different times for Ava DuVernay'...
09/15/2020

Due to the recent success of OUTDOOR film classes for "The Visitor," I am offering two different times for Ava DuVernay's documentary "13th" (2016) in a new format!

This groundbreaking film which premiered at U of I's own Ebertfest in 2018, examines the 13th amendment. It masterfully chronicles how slavery has not really been abolished, only taken on new forms in our system of mass incarceration.

It is an important film, a MUST SEE for every American.

Classes will be held outdoors in my backyard area (or spacious garage in case of rain) for maximum of 10 participants each night, TUESDAY 9/29 and THURSDAY 10/1, from 5-7:00 pm.

"!3th" is offered on NETFLIX and free on YouTube. You are responsible for watching the film ahead of time on your own, with pre-viewing and viewing guidelines that I will provide.

We will meet as a small group to discuss the film. Though we will not be viewing it together, we will be discussing it in-depth, with additional materials distributed during class.

It's time to get back to doing some of the things you like, in a safe and socially distanced environment!

Sign up is going on now! First come, first served--and each class already has 2-5 participants registered. Contact me at [email protected] for more information and/or to sign up.

Address

1032 Maple Avenue
Downers Grove, IL
60516

Opening Hours

Tuesday 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Thursday 6:30pm - 9:30pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Exploring Film Through a Critical Lens with Sue Thornquist posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The School

Send a message to Exploring Film Through a Critical Lens with Sue Thornquist:

Shortcuts

Share

Category