|
Volume CXXXI, Number 24 |
 |
Bowdoin grads to lecture about films
JIM FLANAGAN
COLUMNIST
This article is the last regular contribution that I will be making to the Orient. It makes me really happy to be able to use my last appearance in print to tell you all about Brad Anderson's return to Bowdoin. Anderson graduated from Bowdoin in 1987 and since then has written and directed four feature films. Two years ago, Anderson made his first return to Bowdoin when he brought his recently completed Happy Accidents. This time, Anderson is coming to share with us his newest creation, Session 9. Accompanying him is fellow Bowdoin alum Steve Gevedon '88, who co-wrote the film with Anderson and stars in it. Anderson and Gevedon will be on hand at our showing of their film, and will answer any questions afterwards. Saturday, Anderson and Gevedon will present a workshop in Smith Auditorium from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The workshop is open to everyone, but the screening of Session 9 requires a Bowdoin ID (and a suggested donation to Habitat for Humanity).
Session 9
Friday at 8:30 p.m. at the Eveningstar Cinema
So far, Anderson has made three lovely romantic comedies. This film brings
him into a new genre: horror. Going against the current slasher flick
trends, this film harkens back to The Shining or Don't Look Now. Anderson
describes it as "a horror movie in the traditional sense of horror
as dread and menace, as opposed to shock and cheap thrills, like gore.
We wanted the story to grow on you, the creepiness to grow on you like
mold!" Filmed at the abandoned Danvers State Insane Asylum, the film
concerns five men who are desperate for work, and agree to remove all
the asbestos from the old Asylum. As they work, they learn about the horrid
events that occurred within the walls: abuse, torture, and even possessions.
This film was shot with Sony's new 24P Hi-Definition camera. This is
the same camera used to film Star Wars Episode II. But while Star Wars
won't be released for a few more weeks, Session 9 is on the market,
making it the first officially released film to use this camera. Besides
Gevedon, the film also features David Caruso, Brendon Sexton III, Peter
Mullan, and Josh Lucas.
Following the film, Anderson and Gevedon will answer any questions the
audience has on their film. But don't limit your questions to Session
9! Over the past two weeks, Brad's earlier films have been shown so
that we could all be familiar with his work. Brad wants to address any
questions you have about these films, or anything else you think he or
Steve could answer.
This event requires a Bowdoin ID to get in. Also, the Eveningstar has
limited seating. We were forced to turn people away from Anderson's last
visit. Don't get left out! Finally, all attending will be asked to donate
a small amount of money to support Bowdoin's Habitat for Humanity effort.
Session 9
The Making of an Independent Film
Saturday at 11:30 p.m. in Smith Auditorium
This will be an open discussion/workshop on how Anderson and Gevedon took
their idea for a small film shot on DV cameras and made it into an innovation,
studio-backed production. In Anderson's own words: "[We'll] basically
talk about the development of the project-writing script, getting financing,
casting, shooting, editing, the distribution of the film etc…. Steve
would talk about it as an actor and me as writer/director/editor. I would
show videos about the making of the film, rough cuts of scenes, the trailers,
we could give people handouts if interested. We could also talk about
our other movies and other experiences-lots of stories to tell. It would
be fun. It would really be for anyone interested in movies but especially
for students thinking about getting into the business." But even
if you aren't thinking about a filmmaking career after Bowdoin, this event
will show you how films are made, and how a liberal arts education can
lead to great success.