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For four weeks, FilmScene 101 will watch the films of Elaine May to celebrate her work and legacy. May, who turned 90 in April, is one of the most formidable female directors and screenwriters who brought classic American comedies like Tootsie or The Birdcage to life. In this class, we’ll watch the four films May directed and discuss tropes, motifs, and stylistic choices that seem particular to May’s sensibility. We’ll also discuss the term “auteur,” the history behind its incorporation into film studies, and how we might understand May as one of the few working female auteurs of the 1970s. The course will be led by instructor Hannah Bonner.

FilmScene 101 Pass
General Public: $35
Members: $25

Click this image to buy a pass for the May in May series

May in May

About the Series

Elaine May is a singular voice in the world of comedy with an uncanny ability to elevate and layer emotional resonance within moments of laugh out loud hilarity that remains unparalleled. The writer, director, actor, and comedian celebrated her 90th birthday in April. To mark the occasion, we will be honoring her life and work throughout the month that shares her name, showcasing May's complete filmography as director in chronological order with an accompanying edition of our FilmScene 101 seminar series.

For four weeks, FilmScene 101 will watch the films of Elaine May to celebrate her work and legacy. May, who turned 90 in April, is one of the most formidable female directors and screenwriters who brought classic American comedies like Tootsie or The Birdcage to life. In this class, we’ll watch the four films May directed and discuss tropes, motifs, and stylistic choices that seem particular to May’s sensibility. We’ll also discuss the term “auteur,” the history behind its incorporation into film studies, and how we might understand May as one of the few working female auteurs of the 1970s. The course will be led by instructor Hannah Bonner.

FilmScene 101 Pass
General Public: $35
Members: $25

Click this image to buy a pass for the May in May series

Past Films in this Series

ISHTAR

ISHTAR

May in May

Fri, Jun 3

MIKEY AND NICKY

MIKEY AND NICKY

May in May

Fri, May 27

THE HEARTBREAK KID

THE HEARTBREAK KID

May in May

Fri, May 20

A NEW LEAF

A NEW LEAF

May in May

Fri, May 13

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