Insight into journalism
Published 9:03 am Wednesday, February 13, 2019
We would like to take a moment to highlight the Rhetoric Film Series taking place at Hampden-Sydney College (H-SC).
The beginning of the film series Feb. 5 helped kick off the 40th anniversary celebration of H-SC’s renowned Rhetoric Program, according to a college press release.
The release cited that every Tuesday evening until spring break, people in the community will be able to come to H-SC to enjoy films — for free — that feature writing, public speaking and general rhetorical prowess.
Some of these films in particular drew our attention because of their ability to shed light on the journalistic process. The first selection in the series was “All The President’s Men,” a 1976 film directed by Alan J. Pakula.
As noted on IMDb.com, this film tells the story of how Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, reporters for The Washington Post, uncovered the details of the Watergate scandal that led to President Richard Nixon’s resignation.
On Feb. 19, the film series will feature “Spotlight,” a 2015 movie directed by Tom McCarthy. IMDb.com describes this movie as presenting “the true story of how The Boston Globe uncovered the massive scandal of child molestation and cover-up within the local Catholic Archdiocese, shaking the entire Catholic Church to its core.”
Concluding the series March 5 will be a presentation of the 2017 movie “The Post,” directed by Steven Spielberg. IMDb.com states, “A cover-up that spanned four U.S. presidents pushed the country’s first female newspaper publisher and a hard-driving editor to join an unprecedented battle between the press and the government.”
The release noted that all screenings will be held in Gilmer 019 on Tuesdays at 7 p.m., and popcorn, candy and soft drinks will be provided for all.
We encourage you to check out the remaining films and learn about some of the facets of journalism through stories conveying highlights of the profession.