Nashville Arts Magazine
September 8, 2015
THE MODERN SCHOOL OF FILM COMES TO OZ ARTS NASHVILLE, SEPT 10–12
by Justin Stokes
Some of the best cinematic gems are often left on the cutting room floor. That is the unfortunate reality of film production where budgets are slashed quicker than most directors can call “action.” Most cinema-goers never get to hear the gory details and the constant wrangling for creative control.That is until now. OZ Arts Nashville is providing a forum starting September 10 for just that.
Director and film professor Robert Milazzo, founder of The Modern School of Film and its Film:Masters Series, is presenting a three-night showcase (September 10-12) of films coupled with A-list guests who will share their perspectives with curious film enthusiasts. September 10 will feature actress, comedienne, and “noble bard” Sandra Bernhard for her commentary on Prince’s vanity project Purple Rain. September 11 has absurdist comedy duo Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim (of Adult Swim’s Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!) examining Christopher Guest’s “mockumentary” Waiting for Guffman. September 12 will close the showcase with The Black Keys’ drummer Patrick Carney discussing the comedy classic Caddyshack.
OZ Arts Artistic Director Lauren Snelling spoke enthusiastically of the upcoming event stating, “Essentially, Rob started it with the understanding that a thoughtful discussion of film had disappeared, and he was interested in engaging a much more thoughtful conversation about film. He found that his students had wonderful questions if they were able to go to the source. He gets to witness this with students every day, but when he talks with guests and gets them to provide their firsthand experience—and go to the source—he says is really where you find out so much more.
Milazzo’s urge for a traveling roadshow/master class that encourages those hungry for answers has yielded Film:Masters – The Modern School of Film. “These are in-depth conversations that look at not just the craft, but how we react to film and what our collective experience is when we see films together,” says Snelling. Though the concept of a post-screening discussion is nothing new to Nashville, this event works on putting classic films in an updated light. Those devoted to movies will remember what feelings initiated their pledge in the first place.
Film:Masters – The Modern School of Film will run September 10–12 at OZ Arts Nashville, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the event starting at 7 p.m. For tickets and full information regarding the event, visit visit www.ozartsnashville.org/filmmasters.
For information about Robert Milazzo’s film efforts, please visit www.modernschooloffilm.com.