6/7 Deux Ex Machina It’s the cinematic trope that will not die. Originating with ancient Greek drama, the Deux Ex Machina - or the God from a Machine - plot device is a way of handily wrapping up a story with a “divine intervention.” Today Edmund looks at some films that have used this device - for better or for worse - including Lord of the Rings, War of the Worlds, Avengers: Endgame, Matrix: Revolutions and more.
6/14 Shot on Location Films shot at UNESCO sites are places of “outstanding universal value,” examples of human genius, cultural traditions, or superlative natural phenomena or beauty. This Edmund visits some of the world’s most spectacular locations with the music of films shot at UNESCO sites. From the glorious Taj Mahal in Slumdog Millionaire to the breath-taking Antelope Canyon in The Tree of Life, and the Galapagos Islands in Master and Commander, its movies filled with some of the most outstanding human creations and natural backdrops in the world.
6/21 World Leaders: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly We the People… Thus begins one of the most important documents in recent history - the preamble of the United States Constitution. When this country was founded, the men who fought for independence and urged their people to form a more perfect Union were leaders. Join Edmund Stone as he showcases films that examine the qualities of leadership throughout history and around the world - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. From Abraham Lincoln in Lincoln, to Ramses in The Ten Commandments, and Hitler in Valkyrie, it’s an extraordinary look and listen to world leadership.
6/28 History of America – According to Hollywood. Part 1 This week Edmund celebrates America's birthday with a look, through the cameras of Hollywood, at the country's history. From pre-colonial days as depicted in The New World, to the Civil War in Glory, through the westward expansion in Dances with Wolves, and life in post-World War II era with The Best Years of our Lives, it's a dazzling musical depiction of some of the highlights of our history.
