Honors Guest Lecture
Mr. Michael Wilmington - Film Critic
Chicago Tribune Lead Film Critic Michael Wilmington delivered a lecture titled "The Idea of America: Visions of America in Film" at Saint Xavier University as a guest lecturer for the Honors Program.
Wilmington argued that American films present a conflicted image of America. While
reinforcing democratic ideals and images of America as "The Promised Land," American
film is compelled to trace a pattern of betrayal of American promises and values.
He reinforced his thesis by commenting upon vivid scenes in classic American films,
from Citizen Kane to The Searches to Gangs of New York. Throughout his commentary, Mr. Wilmington shared with the audience stories conveying
his own awakening to film and his joy and stimulation in a career devoted to interpreting
cinema and its cultural role.
Wilmington is a public intellectual and nationally recognized expert on film history. His inquiry into depictions of America in film explores inspiring incarnations as well as disturbing betrayals of American myths and ideals.
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