Film Talks: Get Out

What is it about art and films that helps make conversations flow a little easier?

"I love horror and the imagery is firmly rooted in what I know and love about horror," [Jordan Peele] told NBCBLK. "But it is a social thriller. It is like a psychological thriller. It's about the mind. Allegory is the best way to get people to talk. If we can have a shared experience in a movie theatre, it gives us more of a basis for conversation." - Jordan Peele, Director of "Get Out"

We are so thrilled (pun intended) to be showing "Get Out" as our first Film Talks title this semester. There is so much packed into this movie, we could probably talk about it for days, weeks, months... let's face it - we could talk about it forever.

And we should. Did you have the opportunity to see Bryan Stevenson speak this week, as our LBJ Distinguished Speaker? He encouraged us to "have uncomfortable conversations" as a way to make the world better. I think "Get Out" is a great movie to start some uncomfortable conversations.

Why is it so difficult to talk about race? Why do we usually shy away from these conversations at the very moment we should be having them most?

The Film Talks crew has been hard at work preparing discussion questions in advance to help spark a conversation after the screening. We're fortunate to have the university community surrounding us to help us in starting, and continuing, these uncomfortable conversations. 

"If something unsettles you, you're left to deal with why it unsettled you." - Jordan Peele

We may not have any of the answers, but a good place to start is by asking the right questions, and being open to discussion. I hope you can join us on Tuesday, February 13, from 2-5pm, at Alkek Library for the "Get Out" screening and discussion. Entry is limited to the first 100 to arrive (due to room capacity). The film is available streaming on our SWANK database, so you can watch it in your own time if you're not able to attend.

 

How to stream Oscar winners and nominated films

The full list of 2018 Oscar nominations was announced today!

"Get Out" was nominated for Best Picture, Director, and Lead Actor.

image source

Did you know you can watch "Get Out" on our SWANK streaming database?

Check out Kanopy for other Oscar nominated and winning films!

If you're interested in watching award-winning films, Alkek Library has a film screening and discussion series called Film Talks. Don't miss out on the chance to attend our screenings and participate in the conversation after with faculty, research librarians, and other university community members.

Back to school - insider tips on using feature films in your research and classes

The Fall Semester is just around the corner! Faculty, do you like to use feature films as part of your instruction? Students, has your Professor asked you to find a feature film related to your research topic?

If you answered Yes to any of the questions above, check out our collection of streaming feature films offered by Swank Streaming database!

The films are now searchable in our catalog.

You'll find many films that incorporate the 2016-17 Common Experience theme, A Century of Conflict. 

Students, if you're not sure which films relate to your research topic, feel free to schedule an individual research consultation with your subject librarian!

Faculty, find your Subject Librarian here, and please email us if we can assist you in any way!

View a complete list of our streaming databases here

Have you heard about SWANK? It's an online database of streaming feature films to enhance your classroom instruction! For best results access with the most recent version of Chrome. 

Faculty: If you use feature films to supplement your lessons, go check out SWANK and see what titles we have!

Students: If you need to find a film to use as part of your research, you can browse SWANK for films related to your research topic!

NOTE: These films are NOT LICENSED for public events. They may be streamed only in a face-to-face classroom setting or for individual use. 

Access all of our streaming databases here, including SWANK!

Finals are finally over! Ready for some streaming video this weekend?

This weekend's forecast calls for scattered thunderstorms... Perfect time to stay indoors and watch some films about those things you've always wanted to know more about if it weren't for that final exam or research paper that was eating up all of your free time.

Whatever your poison, there's something for you in the Films On Demand: Master Academic Collection Database. Just last month, 74 new titles were added!

Interested in learning more about the personal philosophies of Muhammad Ali or Jim Henson? Check out the PBS series "In Their Own Words."

Have 47 minutes to clear up any lingering questions you have about Sex, Death, and the Meaning of Life? Acquaint yourself with Albert Camus and his Absurdist Philosophy.

Poetry month may have passed, but every month is appropriate for enjoying poetry. What's better on a rainy day than curling up in your favorite chair for a documentary about The Faerie Queene: The Secret Life of Books?

"Considered one of the most influential poems in the English language, Edmund Spenser’s "The Faerie Queene" is a fusion of Arthurian romance and Italian Renaissance epic styles."

If politics are on your mind this Presidential Primary season, you might enjoy this documentary (in Spanish) about Adolfo Ruiz Cortines, the oldest man to become president of Mexico.

"His competency in accounting and personal qualities of honesty and decency, distinguished him from the political corruption of the era."

Whatever you watch, just remember you've got until June 6th before classes start up again for the first Summer Session. Take some time to get familiar with Alkek's streaming databases and watch ANYTHING YOU WANT. Not because it was assigned, simply because it looks interesting.

Happy Interim!