Before January flies by altogether, Screen Talks would like to wish you a very happy 2013, and update you as to the exciting programme of films we have lined up to talk about in the weeks ahead.

On Monday 28^th January, Dr James Lyons will introduce The Sessions (2012) – directed by Ben Lewin and starring John Hawkes and Helen Hunt. The Sessions has proven to be a critical hit since its debut at Sundance in 2012, and tells the story of a polio sufferer’s decision to lose his virginity. (8.30pm)

On Monday 11^th February, Dr Fiona Handyside will introduce Sous le Sable (Under the Sand, Francis Ozon, 2000). This is part of our sister series ‘Classics of European Cinema’ and offers the chance to see this haunting and enigmatic film, which comes very highly recommended: the legendary director Ingmar Bergman considered it quite a favourite. (6.30pm)

On Monday 25^th February, Dr Helen Hanson will introduce a screening of Psycho (Alfred Hitchcock, 1960). This classic thriller still retains all of its original menace and bite, with an incredible performance from Anthony Perkins. (6.30pm)

Tickets are available from the Exeter Picturehouse: http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Exeter_Picturehouse/

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Down these mean streets a man must go who is not himself mean, who is neither tarnished nor afraid… 

Join us at the Picture House to watch sparks fly between Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, in this classic adaptation of Raymond Chandler’s The Big Sleep.

Chandler’s jaded private investigator, Philip Marlowe, must navigate the corruption that lurks beneath the surface of the American dream, as he is reluctantly drawn into the affairs of General Sternwood – and the General’s glamorous daughter Vivian. Director Howard Hawks perfectly captured the cynicism, the humour and the embittered romanticism of Chandler’s novel, bringing the definitive hard-boiled detective to the big screen.

The Big Sleep will be introduced by Dr. Siân Harris, who lectures on detective fiction in the department of English at Exeter.

Monday 5th November, 6.30pm. There will also be time for a post-screening discussion in the bar.

Join us for the launch screening of ‘Screen Talks’ at the Exeter Picture House, featuring a talk from Dr. Helen Hanson, Senior Lecturer in Film at the University of Exeter.

Helen has published widely on Hollywood cinema and adaptation, including chapters on ‘Rebecca’ and the figure of the femme fatale. Her next book Hollywood Soundscapes: Film Sound Style, Craft and Production in Classical Hollywood Cinema shows how her interest extends to the art and aesthetics of cinema, and will be published in 2013. 

To find out more about Helen’s work, visit http://humanities.exeter.ac.uk/english/staff/hanson/