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I believe that any spectacle, film or stage play can only reach a certain level if the author collaborates with the public. Every spectator must be able in his own fashion to interpret both the situations and the general sense of the piece. The spectator is a human being capable of reflection and therefore of imagination. Being human he is attracted by the least effort; but also, being human, he is devoured with curiosity. In my position as an author-director my approach to the spectator is the same as my approach to the actor. It is enough to leave a door open for him and to send him home with his personal interpretation of the situation and the feelings of the protagonists. If the situation in itself does not permit this multiplicity of interpretation, then the author may fall back on some device so simple that even the most dull-witted spectator realizes that it is an appeal to the imagination. Tartuffe is arrested by the King’s officers, but few spectators believe that this is the end of the matter. Some believe that he will return in triumph to the home of his benefactor, and others that he will get out of prison and prey on another victim. Everybody has his own answer to the riddle of Tartuffe. As a rule, the ending of a play does not allow so much room for surmise. It is in the sentiments of the beings portrayed by the actors that the spectator may find food for his own imagination and thus become the collaborator of the author.
                                                                                        JEAN RENOIR
                                                                                        My Life and My Films, 1974

Think of this course as your own private film club. (It also complements the Wonderworks Summer Film Workshop for High School Students, presented in June and July in association with the UH School of Communication.) Films are introduced, screened and discussed each week by Professor Houk and others; each film is accompanied by a critical article or other appropriate reading.

Films for this fall include: Hail the Conquering Hero (Preston Sturges, 1944); Persona (Ingmar Bergman, 1967); Enemies: A Love Story (Paul Mazursky, 1989); Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Pedro Almodóvar, 1988), Henry V (Laurence Olivier, 1944). My Man Godfrey (Gregory La Cava, 1936) and Pepe le Moko (Julien Duvivier, 1937).

Students are also encouraged to attend screenings presented in the Museum of Fine Art’s Fellini retrospective, 1 September to 8 October. For details of the schedule go to: www.mfah.org/films

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Wonderworks is a non-profit organization offering pre-college, after-school enrichment learning opportunities for high school students of special promise and ability.

Enrollment is free and open to all qualified students in grades 9 through 12.  To apply, fill out the form provided and mail to:

Be sure to include an e-mail address you can be reached at or through (either your own or a parent or teacher’s).  If necessary, transportation may be arranged from campuses with sufficient enrollment.  Questions should be directed to 713.301.4882 or e-mail to info@wonderworkshouston.org.

The course will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis for qualified applicants.  Applications must be received no later than 20 September to ensure full consideration.

For more information: info@wonderworkshouston.org