American Jewish Directors:
Three Visions of the American Jewish Experience
By Lester D. Friedman and David Desser

American Jewish Directors examines the work of three important auteurs — Woody Allen, Paul Mazursky, and Sidney Lumet. While each director has a distinct vision, their films address common issues: the younger generation's drive to forge independent lives; the concepts of guilt and atonement; relations between Jews and non-Jews; and the power of the past.

Introduction

Woody Allen: The Schlemiel as Modern Philosopher
Session 1: Annie Hall
Session 2: Crimes and Misdemeanors

Sidney Lumet: The Memory of Guilt
Session 3: The Pawnbroker
Session 4: Daniel

Paul Mazursky: The Price of Freedom
Session 5: Next Stop, Greenwich Village
Session 6: Enemies, A Love Story

Session 7: Wrap-Up

Course Leader Notes