Movies101 @ NYU

With Professor Richard Brown

For more than 30 years, New York’s most passionate filmgoers have found their way to Richard Brown’s classroom. More than a class, Movies 101® is a cinematic adventure that offers a rich understanding of the newest films before they are released to the public, including in-depth interviews with directors and actors.

Each evening before the lights dim, Professor Brown paints a vivid picture of the history and production of that night’s film. Afterwards, he introduces the star, the director, or—frequently—both. The depth and intelligence of these conversations have created a unique “salon” where those who love film explore the creative process with those who make them. Gifted film artists come to exchange ideas and recharge their creative batteries, including, recently: George Clooney, Clint Eastwood, Brad Pitt, Daniel Day-Lewis, Helen Mirren, Martin Scorsese, Liev Schreiber, Ben Stiller, Meryl Streep, Naomi Watts, Sigourney Weaver, Forest Whitaker, and Kate Winslet, among others.

Time Magazine called Movies 101 “a unique blend of rich insight and pure entertainment...a virtual feast for the film lover.” The Film Journal called it “the industry’s premiere showcase for its best new product.” Over the years, that has included just about every important release, as well as every award nominee from superb indie gems to lavish studio blockbusters. Our students see these films before their friends, before the critics, before anyone. Each week, Movies 101 combines screenings with engaging lectures and memorable interviews to create what the New York Times called, very simply, “New York’s premiere film course.”

“With Movies 101, New Yorkers can enjoy the cutting edge of Sundance, the spirit of Telluride, and the excitement of Cannes... without ever leaving Manhattan.” In Focus Magazine