The Power of Film is a six-part documentary series that dives into American cinema’s timeless appeal and cultural impact, hosted by UCLA Film School Professor Emeritus Howard Suber, Ph.D. Drawing on over fifty years of teaching, Suber explores why certain films continue to resonate, blending insightful commentary with iconic scenes from classics of the last century through today. Each episode sheds light on the psychological and emotional elements that give these films enduring power, uncovering common themes and storytelling techniques that have captivated audiences from ancient myths to modern blockbusters.
With a focus on universal truths rather than technical analysis, The Power of Film guides viewers through the principles that shape great movies, explaining why they evoke such lasting emotional connections. Suber’s narrative connects storytelling's past—from Aristotle to Shakespeare—to Hollywood’s greats, illustrating how cinema reflects human experience and, ultimately, ourselves. In doing so, the series suggests that, like the heroes in films, viewers can become the agents of change in their own lives.
While many viewers will be fascinated by The Power of Film, I found it to be just a bit rambling and ranting at times. Suber is quite well-informed and thoughtful about American cinematography, but he engages in some ‘trust me, bro’ didacticism when it comes to philosophical, moral, and cultural ideals. I’m the kind of person who likes at least one example, and he often lacks them. This feeds into another issue: there is a grain of truth that Suber explores “universal truths” through films, but these truths tend to be a bit less “universal” and a lot more “American ideal.” Despite these shortcomings, The Power of Film will have broad appeal with film fanatics of all stripes. Howard Suber’s focus on popular American films means he discusses at least one of your favorites in every episode. His analysis of some of the overarching themes seen in Hollywood films is interesting too, and would serve those studying American culture and cinema well. Recommended.
How can The Power of Film be integrated into public libraries’ collection development?
The Power of Film would be an excellent addition to public libraries’ film documentary collections. Libraries focused on providing resources for film buffs, students of cinema, or those interested in cultural studies could house this documentary. Since it provides an accessible, yet thoughtful analysis of American cinema's cultural impact and emotional resonance, it would appeal to a broad range of patrons—whether they are casual moviegoers, aspiring filmmakers, or academics interested in the intersection of film and society. This title would also be valuable for libraries offering materials on storytelling, human psychology, and the evolution of Hollywood cinema.
What college courses and majors could benefit from using The Power of Film?
The Power of Film would be a great resource for courses in Film Studies, American Studies, Media Studies, and Cultural Anthropology. Film History and Narrative Theory courses would find Suber’s analysis of storytelling techniques especially useful. It could also support classes in Psychology, Sociology, and Communication, where students are studying the emotional and psychological impact of media. Moreover, it could complement courses in English or Theater that explore the tradition of storytelling from Aristotle to modern films. The documentary's focus on universal themes and the emotional resonance of cinema makes it a strong supplement for courses that examine narrative structures and cultural values.
How could The Power of Film enhance special events on college campuses?
The Power of Film could serve as a cornerstone for various special events on college campuses, such as film festivals, cultural weeks, or academic lectures. For instance, it could be screened as part of an event focusing on American cinema or the intersection of art and culture. Professors could host panel discussions or Q&A sessions after screenings to engage students in exploring the themes Suber addresses—such as the emotional power of films, storytelling techniques, and the cultural myths portrayed in cinema. It could also be used in student-run film clubs or societies as a way to foster a deeper understanding of how films shape cultural narratives and personal identities.
Why is The Power of Film a strong candidate for movie licensing?
The Power of Film is a strong candidate for movie licensing due to its broad appeal to audiences interested in both popular culture and film analysis. The documentary touches on universally recognized films and iconic scenes, making it attractive to a wide range of viewers, from casual movie fans to film scholars. Additionally, its educational content positions it well for licensing to educational institutions, libraries, and cultural organizations. Licensing could allow schools, universities, and cultural centers to use the documentary as a teaching tool in courses on film, media, and cultural studies, ensuring it reaches a wider audience beyond just home viewing.