Movie Discussion Group

This series will look at comedy as both a means of entertainment and as a response to the society and the culture in which it is created. Comedy can be as much about social investigation and transformation as it is about making people laugh.

Leading the post-film discussion will be Dimitrios Pavlounis, a graduate of the MA program of the Cinema Studies Institute of the University of Toronto and a PhD candidate in the United States.

Admission is free, but please pre-register in person at the Full Service Desk of the Central Library or by calling 905.884.9288 x321. All movies will be screened in Room A/B of the Central Library. Bring along a sweater or jacket as the setting is air-conditioned.

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Wednesday, August 4, 6:00 to 8:30 PM

Based on Roald Dahl's classic book of the same name, Fantastic Mr. Fox is an expanded, mature take on the simple tale of the fox (voiced by George Clooney) trying to outwit the neighbouring farmers in order to provide for his family. Dahl's original story is reworked to explore themes of family, friendship and the contentious relationship between nature and nurture while also trying to capture the whimsical and humourous spirit of the original.

Double-Bill on Saturday, August 7^th Come to both of the movies and bring your lunch or buy a snack at the Library Coffee Shop during the intermission

9 to 5

Saturday, August 7, 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM

One of the most popular and beloved revenge comedies of all time, 9 to 5 tells the story of three female office workers trying to live out their fantasies of getting even with their sexist, sleazy male boss. With hilarious performances by Jane Fonda, Lilly Tomlin and Dolly Parton, 9 to 5 is a highly enjoyable, albeit insightful, look at the nature of revenge and the state of women's labour in the late 1970s.

My Cousin Vinny

Saturday, August 7, 2:00 to 4:30 PM

When Bill Gambini and Stanley Rothenstein are mistakenly arrested for murder in Alabama, they have only one person to turn to: Bill's inexperienced lawyer cousin from New York, Vinny (played by Joe Pesci). My Cousin Vinny offers plenty of laughs while also serving as the perfect entry-point into discussions about the social value of comedy and comedy's artistic merit.