Ragtime (1981) Film Discussion w/Czech film professor Pepi Lustig

Milos Forman is one of a handful of film makers to have directed two winners of the Best Picture Oscar (Amadeus, 1984, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,1975). The son of Holocaust victims transitioned from Czech language films to the American film industry and captured the American spirit through multiple eras and received a lifetime achievement award from the director's guild of America in 2013.
But what about his lesser-known films? Among his most under-rated movies is the ensemble film Ragtime (1981). Adapted from a sweeping novel that takes place at the start of the 20th Century, the film (also a Broadway musical) is unique in weaving together the lives of historical figures (Booker T Washington, Thomas Edison, Harry Houdini); one of the first court cases to be deemed "the trial of the century" by local press; and fictional characters in a sweeping meditation on the American family, technological progress, and race. Even though this is a lofty comparison, the film has surprising parallels to the narrative style and themes of Spike Lee.
In a real treat for the film of the month club, we'll be joined by Czech film professor Josef "Pepi" Lustig who was a long-time friend and collaborator of Forman. Lustig was on the set of Amadeus as an observer and worked as an extra and production assistant on the set of Ragtime. Outside of work with Forman, Lustig helmed three documentaries, one of which won the Golden Cine Eagle. He also worked in various production capacities on the films Cutter's Way (1981), The World According to Garp (1982), and the Emmy-winning documentary Precious Legacy.

Event costs go towards zoom costs, advertising, and labor. There are a limited number of discounted and free seats upon inquiry. You can also send $4 (or more if you wish) to [email protected] on paypal or okjournalist on venmo.
Seeing Ragtime is encouraged as it will be the latter theme through the second half of the talk. Access is a little complicated so check out www.justwatch.com.

Host or Publisher Orrin Konheim