Wild Strawberries

The end of our class was poignant for me, as it represented the end, not only of a truly great class, but also of my teaching career. One always likes to go out on a high note, and in this instance we're talking about a high C.

I know I said several times that this was the best film class ever. As honest as I was when I uttered those words, it really is not fair to the other 20 or so film classes that I taught over the years. Most of them were also very superior, and one or two of them were terrific. So, let's just say that this one was special for several reasons. First, it was an all volunteer army. In the past, it took me a week or two to bring around all the sour-pusses who did not want to be in the class. This time, we really hit the ground running. Second was the new technology. I actually used to teach the class on a 27 inch TV. This was the first time I had the luxury of the big screen. And, the blogs added an entirely new element to the class, and extended my enjoyment beyond the 41 minutes of actual face time.

I want to thank everyone who helped make the class so special. Everybody contributed something, whether it was cogent analysis, elegant posts on the blog, laughing at all the jokes, or just thoughtful appreciation of the films and the discussion. Normally, I would not single anyone out for special mention. But, considering the sheer volume of commentary on their blogs, I hardly think anyone will be offended if I extend a special word of thanks to James and Nick. These two guys went above and beyond in every way, and they should know that I bragged about them to my family, colleagues, administrators, etc. Their work was amazing, both in quantity and quality. Over fifty posting each on their respective blogs. I encourage those of you who either have not read their blogs, or those few of you -- incredibly -- have not "followed" them, to check out their work.

On the last day of classes, we had a quorum of about 10 students, so we discussed a way to judge the films we saw. I thought we'd use the Acadamy Awards method. See Nick's last post for his take on this. I think my vote would go this way:

Best Picture to Unforgiven. I thought this award should go to a film that tried to do something big. This film was hugely ambitious in that attempted to rewrite the entire book on the Western. Also, it brought together enormous talent, many actors, several sets, several story lines all of which converge (remember English Bob?) Nominations to All Quiet, and Runaway Train.

Best Director to Orson Welles for Citizen Kane. Remember how important this film has become, influencing generations of directors. Welles rewrote the book on what great direction is all about. Nominations to Seventh Seal and Dark City

Best Actor: Jon Voigt for both films. Not really allowed, but the way he became those two characters was really uncanny. Nominations to Peter Sellers and Guy Pierce for Dr. Strangelove and Memento respectively.

Best supporting actor: Gene Hackman, Unforgiven, Nominations for Gunnar Bjorstrom and Dustin Hoffman. (Hoffman was really a co-star, though)

Best Actress: Frances McDormand, Fargo. Nominations to Brigit Fonda and the wife who got blown away with the shotgun, both from A Simple Plan

Supporting Actress: Who knows? The two girls who pickled all the vegetables in The Atomic Cafe

Best Screenplay: Runaway Train. The lines of dialogue, the focus, the Greek tragedy. Gotta go with this one. Nominations to Citizen kane and Unforgiven

Best Music: Midnight Cowboy, then Citizen Kane, then Dr. Strangelove. Atomic Cafe had incredible music also.


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And so, my career as a teacher appears to be ending. I don't imagine that I will do anything in the future that gives me as much joy and fulfillment. And I am proud to say that I was never happier than I was when I had a class listening intently to me. Ho, the joy it gave me to hear the entire class laughing uproariously to some outlandish joke I made. Or the faces of students hearing some new interpretation of events in history, or whatever. It was a powerful feeling.

My very last class yesterday, I showed the end of The Seventh Seal. How appropriate and how significant. During the "wild strawberry" scene, as Antonius Block held the bowl of milk up and declaimed on the ephemeral nature of life's joy, I looked out at my class. All eyes were rapt upon the screen. They didn't see me looking out at them. And I realized anew that I loved them all so deeply, not just those who sat in front of me at that moment, but all the students, over 2000 all told, who made my life so meaningful for 20 years.

And, as I gazed upon their young faces, wasn't there a death's mask hanging on the wall in the back of the room? Didn't I have an appointment with a polite, yet stern gentleman to play a game of chess, one that I know I will lose? The answer to both questions is yes, and yet it did not detract from my joy. It made it all the more precious. And I drank deeply of that cup, and so must you.