Shannon Mooney
Online Editor
Students gathered in 1100 Tawes Hall to engage in an evening focused on international studies, entertainment and humor at Friday night’s International Film Series, hosted by the University of Maryland’s film studies program.
Friday’s movie was “The Man Who Would be King,” released in 1975 and directed by John Huston, who also directed the well-known classic “The Maltese Falcon.” The movie is based off the novella by Rudyard Kipling.
The film was introduced by graduate assistant Brian Real and graduate student Andy Black.
“This is a particularly interesting interrogation of British masculinity,” Black said. “It’s interesting to see the two icons of British masculinity.”
The two icons referred to were Peachy Carnehan and Daniel Dravot, played by Michael Caine and Sean Connery. The film told the story of Peachy and Daniel’s travels from India to Kafiristan, where they planned to try to become kings.
The film was clearly a commentary on British imperialism, as it depicted very extreme and ridiculous ways in which the two men attempted to assimilate the people of Kafiristan. These exaggerations were humorous and entertaining and evoked a few chuckles from the audience.
This event was a part of the department’s larger film series. Next semester there will be more film studies events, including a silent film show and two lectures on women and film.
