New York State Writers Institute - Classic Film Series

BESIEGED

NOVEMBER 8, 2002 (Friday)
7:00 p.m.
(NOTE: 7 p.m. Start)

Page Hall, 135 Western Avenue
(Free and Open to the Public)

(Italian/UK, 1998, 93 minutes, color, 35mm)
(In English, Italian, and Swahili with English subtitles)

Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci
Starring Thandie Newton, David Thewlis, Claudio Santamaria

After her husband is jailed as a political prisoner in their African homeland, Shandurai moves to Italy where she studies medicine and keeps house for an English composer. Mr. Kinsky is smitten with Shandurai and besieges her with affection. Eventually, she strikes a devil's bargain with him: she will give in to his advances if he gets her husband out of prison. Bertolucci's film is based on a long short story by James Lasdun, "The Siege."

James Lasdun will present film commentary and answer questions immediately after the screening. A poet, short story writer, novelist and screenwriter, Lasdun is the current writer-in-residence at the Writers Institute. His novella, "The Siege," provided the basis for Bertolucci's BESIEGED. Lasdun will also read from his work on Thursday, November 7 at 8 p.m. in the Recital Hall, Performing Arts Center on the UAlbany uptown campus.