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Film Series
Films, more than any other contemporary medium, have consistently offered portrayals of old age in varied social and economic contexts. Although there are few films that depict the experience of aging as an historical phenomenon, many touch on age and aging in different cultural contexts. The following examples suggest the range of possibilities for library or museum-based film shows and film discussions. Through films, cultural institutions can often draw audiences to consider the topic of age who might otherwise not become engaged. In addition, museums and libraries can use films to complement other program formats, stimulate reflection about the experience of aging and stimulate new dialogue about the implications of today's “age wave” for contemporary families and communities.
Elderquest and the Cinema and Literature of Age: New Models for the New Old Age
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, University of Massachusetts—Boston
http://www.lets.umb.edu/elderquest/syllabus.html
“The series is an exploration the older hero in today's literature and film. Elder heroes behave very differently from younger ones. Their journeys are often inward rather than outward, backward rather than forward, slow and intentional rather than fast and impetuous. But their actions are just as heroic, if not more so, for the stakes are higher, time is short, and the flesh is weak. Victory, and it's far from guaranteed, is full acceptance and then transcendence of the self, an authentication of one's experience and then a willingness to let it go as one helps others to prepare for the ascendancy of the next generation.”
A second series focusing on relationships was later added to the curriculum. Below is the course's full filmography.
A. Elderheroes and Their Quests
1. Strangers in Good Company (Canada, 1992)
2. Wild Strawberries (Sweden, 1957)
3. The Straight Story (USA, 1999)
4. The Trip to Bountiful (USA, 1985)
5. Harry and Tonto (USA, 1974)
6. Last Orders (Great Britain, 2000)
7. About Schmidt (USA, 2003)
8. Ikiru (Japan, 1952)
9. Children of Nature (Denmark, 1991)
B. Aging Men and Aging Women, Alone and Together:
a. Men Alone
1. Nobody's Fool (USA, 1994)
2. Wrestling Ernest Hemingway (USA, 1993)
3. Harry and Tonto (USA, 1974)
4. Space Cowboys (USA, 2000)
5. About Schmidt (USA, 2003)
b. Women Alone
1. Mrs. Dalloway (Great Britain, 1997)
2. Opening Night (USA, 1978)
3. Strangers in Good Company (Canada, 1992)
4. A Woman's Tale (Australia, 1992)
c. Men and Women Together
1. Innocence (Australian, 2001)
2. The Gin Game (USA, 1984)
3. Driving Miss Daisy (USA, 1988)
4. Robin and Marian (Great Britain, 1976)
5. Travelling North (Australian, 1987)
C. Young and Old: Keeping the Generations Together
1. On Golden Pond (USA, 1981)
2. Harold and Maude (USA, 1971)
3. I Never Sang for My Father (USA, 1970)
4. Spring Forward (USA, 2000)
5. Red (Poland/Switzerland, 1994)
6. Rocket Gibraltar (USA, 1988)
7. Tokyo Story (Japan, 1953)
8. The Last Good Time (USA, 1995)
9. Everybody's Fine (Italy, 1992)
10. Madame Rosa (France, 1977)
Documentaries on Aging
Several independent film companies and special interest groups have created invaluable filmographies of documentaries addressing issues of aging from health, to love, to beauty and more. Listed below are some of the more extensive collections and lists.
The mission of Terra Nova Films is to foster a greater understanding of life in its later years through film and video. (http://www.terranova.org/CatSearch.aspx)
Fanlight Productions is a leading distributor of innovative film and video works on the social issues of our time. Its catalogue presents contemporary cross-cultural perspectives on the issues of concern to many audiences. (http://www.fanlight.com/catalog/subjects/aging.php)
The Great Circle of Life: A Resource Guide to Films and Videos on Aging is intended for those interested in learning more about the aging process. The films and videos in this guide address the complexities and ambiguities of the experience of aging and include links to intergenerational film resources. (http://www.tc.umn.edu/~ryahnke/greatcircle/index.htm)
The Filmakers Library has developed a collection of award-winning documentary films and videos primarily for educational use. Titles are available for rental or sale to universities, schools, museums, businesses and community groups. (http://www.filmakers.com/AGING.html)
