Video Presentation
Ronald Romero, Yahel Flores, Fernando Jimenez, Rebecca Hamilton-Levi
Interracial Relationships: Video and Discussion
Location: Hub 2 • Time: 11:30 AM-12:30 PM
The topic of interracial relationships is something we wanted to explore. We are creating a video/documentary to get different perspectives in the community to talk about the subject. We want to see what their perceptions are and if there is any tension in being in an interracial relationship, with the influences of social media, the political atmosphere, racism, and the freshness of the legality of interracial marriages, which was only 51 years ago. Following the video we will have a panel to create a discourse with the audience and get their perspectives on the topic and to get people thinking and hopefully carry with them.
Ezra Weiss
Evolution of the Cinematic Superhero: Batman in American Society
Location: Hub 2 • Time: 10:00-11:00 AM
Ever since his introduction in 1939, the comic book superhero Batman has been seen by many as one of the most recognizable characters in fictional media. Over the years, he has been presented in many forms, ranging from the original comic books to the 1960’s television series. However, his cinematic portrayal in 1989 under the direction of Tim Burton introduced the character in a more serious manner, and from then to the current time period, both the superhero and his world have been reinterpreted in multiple films through the use of different directing methods. This documentary offers an exploration of how different directors have used the cinematic interpretation of Batman through their individual styles in order to express commentary on the various political, economic, and social movements that have occurred within the USA during the decade of each movie’s time of release. In both Batman and Batman Returns, Tim Burton addresses the politics and social trends in America during the Reagan administration from a gothic, mysterious standpoint. In contrast, Joel Schumacher presents the growth of the economy during the 1990s in a colorful, campy, environment in Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. Finally, Christopher Nolan uses a gritty, realistic interpretation of Batman’s world in his Dark Knight trilogy to serve as a metaphor for the rise of the War on Terrorism and the various events which would lead to its contraction in.