This informal survey class for the film lover surveys the rich history of the use of music in film, showing how it has evolved in each decade from the 1920s to the 2000s. Moving in roughly chronological order, and drawing upon clips of scenes from a wide array of illustrative films, the class will discuss such composers as Max Steiner, EW Korngold, Dmitri Tiomkin, Franz Waxman, Elmer Bernstein, Jerry Goldsmith, Maurice Jarre, John Williams and others. It will look at balladic scores (HIGH NOON) as well as needle-drop scores (THE GRADUATE, EASY RIDER, 2001, etc.) and cover the musicals of Busby Berkeley, Fred & Ginger, and MGM. TV scores, especially for documentary programs (VICTORY AT SEA), and popular series themes will also be discussed. A look at the symbiosis between movies and the commercial recording industry is woven throughout. The course ends with a look at the recent trend to avoid identifiable themes (LORD OF THE RINGS, MATRIX) or to repurpose previous hits (THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA). Open to all. No pre-requisites.

Note: Class takes a hiatus February 13 & 20 for the Portland International Film Festival and March 20 & 27 for Spring Break.

NON-CREDIT ONLY