About us
This is an online movie and play discussion group. While participants usually watch the film before attending the discussion, you are welcome to come if you haven't yet.
READING THE PLAY IS OPTIONAL, although doing so will increase your appreciation for the film and knowledge of theater history.
From its inception, cinema has relied on theater as a primary source of material. So why is the relationship between live theater and film so vexed? Calling a film “stagy” is always a criticism. But what are the various techniques of adaptation? Which films radically rework a play to make it more “cinematic”? Which films commit to theater’s spatial boundaries and emphasis on the spoken word? These are some of the questions we ask.
We look at every style of theater and film, from the most accessible to the most challenging, as well as musicals and opera. We sometimes watch recordings of live performances too.
Fans of theater, film, literature, history—as well as actors, directors, playwrights, screenwriters and filmmakers—will find there’s a lot to learn by looking at the theater to film transformation.
Featured event
Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau in THE ODD COUPLE (1968)
“When fussy Felix becomes suicidal over his impending divorce, he accepts an offer to move in with his best friend, messy Oscar. Oscar tries to get him out of his funk by arranging a double date with two wacky British neighbors, but when the plan backfires, their friendship is put to the test.”
This is an online movie and play discussion group. While participants usually arrive having watched the film beforehand, you are invited to come and listen if you haven't seen the film yet. READING THE PLAY IS OPTIONAL, although doing so will increase your appreciation for the film and its theatrical roots.
The Film:
THE ODD COUPLE (1968)
Directed by Gene Saks
Screenplay by Neil Simon, based on his 1965 play
With JACK LEMMON, WALTER MATTHAU, HERB EDELMAN, JOHN FIEDLER and DAVID SHEINER
1 hour 45 mins.
Available to stream and rent in a variety of places, check https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-odd-couple for details.
The Play:
THE ODD COUPLE
By Neil Simon
First performed in 1965
https://archive.org/details/oddcouple000simo/page/n5/mode/2up
Upcoming events
1
Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau in THE ODD COUPLE (1968)
·OnlineOnline“When fussy Felix becomes suicidal over his impending divorce, he accepts an offer to move in with his best friend, messy Oscar. Oscar tries to get him out of his funk by arranging a double date with two wacky British neighbors, but when the plan backfires, their friendship is put to the test.”
This is an online movie and play discussion group. While participants usually arrive having watched the film beforehand, you are invited to come and listen if you haven't seen the film yet. READING THE PLAY IS OPTIONAL, although doing so will increase your appreciation for the film and its theatrical roots.
The Film:
THE ODD COUPLE (1968)
Directed by Gene Saks
Screenplay by Neil Simon, based on his 1965 play
With JACK LEMMON, WALTER MATTHAU, HERB EDELMAN, JOHN FIEDLER and DAVID SHEINER
1 hour 45 mins.
Available to stream and rent in a variety of places, check https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-odd-couple for details.The Play:
THE ODD COUPLE
By Neil Simon
First performed in 1965
https://archive.org/details/oddcouple000simo/page/n5/mode/2up6 attendees
Past events
124
