In my many years of obsession with all things cinema, there have been a handful of filmmakers whose work has connected with me in unexpected ways. Films that have expanded my worldview, soothed my personal troubles, filled my heart. Films that made feel something. Films that made me truly appreciate the moving image as an art form. Those of you who have heard me in presentations and discussions on Journey calls and on podcasts, or are familiar with my writing, have heard me ramble on about the filmmakers who inspire me, so I won’t list them here save for one legendary partnership: Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. Or “The Archers” for those in the know. A truly unique filmmaking duo responsible for creating vibrant worlds that blend the line between reality and fantasy and propriety and vulgarity, with impressive forays into topics such as patriotism, religion, obsession, and sexual repression. And war. We mustn’t forget war. It starts at midnight, y’know.
You can imagine my absolute joy when film historian Imogen Sara Smith brought her idea of an entire class on the work of Powell and Pressburger to us last fall. To have her join this wonderful community was already an incredible honor, but for her to share her expertise and critical analysis on these influential masters of cinema is a gift to us all. (BTW, you can still register here.)
As we spend these next several weeks together learning from Imogen, I will share some pieces I’ve written on a few Powell and Pressburger works that have played an important role in my cinephile story.
I look forward to learning with all of you and immersing ourselves in the beauty that is The World of The Archers.
