Cinematheque “Exits Through the Gift Shop”

By Dillon Sutherland, Staff Writer

This past Wednesday marked the first feature of Cinematheque for the spring semester.  Cinematheque showcased a documentary called Exit Through The Gift Shop, which is about street art and its many different artists.

The movie drew in the largest crowd of any feature shown by the program, with more than fifteen students as well as faculty in attendance.

Mike Elrod, library instructor and electronics services assistant, opened up the presentation by revealing that the library has received a new collection of graphic novels, bringing it a few samples of the additions and talking about the documentary.

Also, Dr. Ted Whisenhunt, chair of the art department and assistant professor of art, spoke about the film and some of the artists within it.  Whisenhunt also gave his thoughts on some existing doubt regarding street art being accepted as a true art form.

“I absolutely think that street art is widely accepted in the art world,” said Whisenhunt. “My thoughts are that it is like urban folk art.  It’s untrained people doing weird thing, and it’s always been around.  I definitely think it’s legit.  It’s something we look at in art appreciation.”

The film was widely enjoyed by those who attended and watched.  Everyone laughed at several comical scenes and were impressed by the art inside the movie.  After the feature was over, some of the students eagerly spoke out on what they thought of the movie and the art.

“I think it was great,” said Ben Partain, a freshman art major from Elberton. “I think that the underlying theme is that anyone can be successful at art, but it takes real determination and talent to be a great artist.”

“It was a good kick start for the semester,” Elrod stated. “ It was fun and raises intellectual questions.  I’m also glad about the new collection of graphic novels.”

For the rest of the semester, Elrod stated that Cinematheque definitely “has some good stuff planned.”

Cinematheque offers life applications

By Ember Zimmerman, Staff Writer

For those who look beyond the flashy, CGI coated exterior of modern cinema, or spend free evenings re-watching “Citizen Kane,” there is a new monthly event on campus called Cinematheque.

Every second Wednesday of the month at Wilson lecture hall, Cinematheque is showing a movie followed by a discussion of the film.

Organizers for the group include Mike Elrod, Genevieve Rodriguez and Dr. Dawn Lamade. The organizers behind Cinematheque stated that they hope to connect the films to the students’ classes in an effort to aid students in learning to use the skills they have acquired at Young Harris College in the real world by discussing the subtext, cinematography, storytelling techniques and greater implications of the films.

Last Wednesday, Cinemathique played Christopher Nolan’s “Memento.” Prior to the showing of the film, there was an introduction by Stuart Miller, resident director of Enotah and Manget halls, gave a brief summary of the film including spoilers and an abbreviated bio of Christopher Nolan. Nolan is more recently known for his work on “Batman Begins,” “The Dark Knight” and “Inception.” Nolan wrote and directed the film, which, was based on a short story written by his younger brother, Jonathan Nolan.

For those who are familiar with “Memento,” the films that Cinematheque will be showing are geared towards cerebral and analytical thinking.

Those who attend the movie showings should not expect predictable action flicks or thoughtless comedies.

Attendance was meager on Wednesday, perhaps due to its late-night position on a weekday, and much of the audience left before the post-viewing discussion could begin. The organizers behind Cinematheque hope to draw a larger audience for their next movie.

Despite the unusual meeting time, those who are enthusiastic about the significance of the cinematic arts might be interested in attending the next meeting, which is on October 13. During this meeting, Cinematheque plans to show Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction.”