A good story is a story well told. In this class, we will look at how design, camera, sound, editing and performance create the meaning and the emotional impact of a good movie. We will look at classic films, old and new, to develop a deeper appreciation for how a movie works and why, in the end, our affection for it endures. Each week, one film will be assigned for viewing prior to class. (These films will be different than those assigned in prior LOF classes). 

Deborah Reinisch has produced and directed award-winning movies and series for network, cable and public television, including the Emmy Award and National Board of Review winner Andre’s Mother. Her recent directing credits include Bull, Madam Secretary and NCIS: New Orleans for CBS. Her short film Sure Thing, written by David Ives and starring Luke Kirby, screened at 27 film festivals including Cannes Short Film Corner, Woodstock Film Festival and FilmColumbia. Prior to her work in television, Deborah served as first assistant director on many feature films, including Blood Simple and Raising Arizona for Joel and Ethan Coen. Deborah taught directing, production and film history at NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Brooklyn College/Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema and Columbia University. In Spring 2025, she taught "Hooray for Hollywood: Great Directors & Great Films of the Studio Era (1927-1967)" at OLLI at BCC. Deborah also curates and introduces the 100 Years of Movies at the Mahaiwe film series each summer in Great Barrington, MA.

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