Spring Break
Aussie director visits campus
RYAN SIEVEKING
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Tonight, the Tate Student Center Theater will screen two of his films, "Man of Flowers" and "The Diaries of Vaslav Nijinsky."
In addition, the director will discuss each film after the screenings.
"His films haven't been released in the United States," said Nate Kohn, a telecommunications professor and faculty host of the event. "None of his films have had proper releases."
As the director of 39 films, including short films and documentaries, Cox has an impressive resumZ
Roger Ebert included Cox's powerfully emotional film, "Innocence," on his top ten list of the year in 2000.
"His films celebrate the human condition," Kohn said. "He's a remarkable director."
When & Where: Tonight, Tate Student Center Theater
What: "Man of Flowers," at 4 p.m.
What: "The Diaries of Vaslav Nijinsky," at 8 p.m.
Admission: Free
The second, "Art, Politics and Humanism in an Insane World," will be at 4 p.m. Thursday in Room 265 of Park Hall.
Professor Kohn is well aware of Cox's unconventional approach to filmmaking.
"He's very concerned about the state of cinema and Hollywood's corruption," he said. "He has no interest in Hollywood or making films for commercial release."
"Man of Flowers" focuses on the life of an eccentric artist who is lost in what he considers beautiful -- art collecting, flower collecting and the form of women.
"The Diaries of Vaslav Nijinsky," meanwhile, draws inspiration from the writings of a famous Russian dancer. Nijinsky wrote a series of intimate diaries before he was committed to an insane asylum in Switzerland.
"The film is part documentary, part drama, and it's certainly unique in its form," Kohn said. "The narration is taken from Nijinsky, who was deeply conflicted."
Cox is an artist known for his unflinching passion toward the art of film.
Despite having won critical accolades and international awards, he remains relatively unknown.
The screenings are an opportunity for students to not only enjoy Cox's films, but to gain insight into the craft of film through discussions with the director.
"It's an opportunity for students to watch several rare and engaging films, films that are powerful and emotional at the core," Kohn said.
Cox, who has blamed Hollywood for the corruption of modern film, also will give two lectures. The first, titled "Is Cinema Dead and If So, Who Killed It?," will be held in Brumby Hall Wednesday at 7 p.m.
PAUL COX FILM SCREENINGS
