The Art of Film

There comes a time when writers must use their accessibility to an audience as a means of conveying a certain point – a message that for far too long has gone unheard. Using this column as a vehicle for communication in attempting to reach out to the student body at large (assuming, of course, that some of you actually take the time to read it), I’d like to take this opportunity to discuss an under-appreciated elective course I am taking this semester. Created several years ago by Mr. James Dazsenski, The Art of Film is a semester-long course geared at changing the attitude students present toward film – altering the metaphorical lens through which they view the cinema of America and other countries.


With the rigorous course-load that has become typical of high-school students in this day and age – not to mention this district – enjoyable elective classes do indeed fall by the wayside. Many of us are so overburdened with work by our core classes that the thought of possibly taking a less-challenging-yet-still-enriching course proves unappealing.

I am no stranger to this aforementioned logic, this inability to look beyond an AP label to see the true worth of a class like Robotics or Digital Darkroom. I am, however, very grateful that upon reaching this – my senior year – I was able to take the plunge of registering for a class that I was genuinely interested in, a course that I am taking sheerly because of the fact that I want to be there. Instead of having a free fifth period, I chose to be present in an elective class which is in many respects one of the highlights of my day.

With all that said, I’d like to take a moment to describe to you the fifth-period environment I am so fond of. The Art of Film presents films in their entirety – a luxury not often afforded courses that have substantial amounts of material to cover in preparation for a test come mid-May. The class is oriented around the world of film, with undivided attention given to the manner in which films are constructed. From analyzing dialogue, to dissecting scene compositions, to understanding a director’s tactics in dealing with his actors, The Art of Film allows students a vastly deeper appreciation for film. Being a critic of film for The Southerner, it is a sobering experience to be enrolled in a course that directly appeals to my interests. To put it quite bluntly, I love movies, and am more than happy to be taking a class that will have no bearing on my admittance to college because I thoroughly enjoy it.

As of my writing this article, there are currently eight people enrolled in the fifth period section of The Art of Film. Eight people. I have no idea what the statistics are for other classes of this nature, but it does somewhat sadden me to have such a fine class fly so below the radar.

I implore each of you to find the time within your schedule to take a course that you are drawn to, even if it does seem unnecessary for your transcript. It may just prove to be one of the best classes you take during your short time here at Great Neck South. I know I’ve diverged somewhat from the usual content of my column, but I feel obligated as a lover of film and as a fellow student to advocate a course I am so deeply fond of.

If you need to reach me, I’ll be viewing fine cinema in Room 452 fifth period. You are more than welcome to join.