The Coolidge Goes West!

"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend." - (The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance)  

From singing cowboys, to the Western's mid-century Golden Era, to revisionist Westerns that challenge shibboleths and genre conventions, the Western endures and inspires new generations of filmmakers. As old as cinema itself, the Western is THE quintessential American film genre. 

Drawing on American history, the Western reimagined it, promoting American ideology and values that even today define us as a country and a people. At the same time, the Western advanced cinema as an art form. 

Through screenings and explorations of classic films, we'll survey the history of the genre; identify recurring themes, tropes and tensions; consider the Western’s relevance today; and above all, celebrate magnificent timeless films and the legendary directors and actors who made them. 

About the Instructor

Instructor Kaj Wilson served as Artistic Director of The Boston Jewish Film Festival for twelve years.  She was awarded a Special Commendation by the Boston Society of Film Critics and the Image Award for Vision and Excellence by Women in Film and Video/New England. Prior to joining the BJFF, she was Film Editor of The Improper Bostonian. This is her 13th Coolidge course offering.