On Saturday evening, January 22, Susan Roos, Ph.D. will present a program entitled "Death Scenes in the Movies." Rather than focusing on a single movie, Susan has put numerous death scenes from various types of movies on tape for our viewing and discussion.

The event will be held in my home. I will wait a while before asking for RSVPs, since the holiday season is upon us, and many may not know their January schedule at this point.

The Arts Committee is proud to have Susan, a prolific presenter in the field of psychology, on our team! The following is an introduction to the work she will be presenting.

From: Susan Roos, Ph.D.

Death scenes in American film are popular, sensational, and violent. According to a study conducted in 2000, comparisons based on audience rating (G, PG, PG-13. and R) showed no significant differences in the number of death scenes and virtually no significant differences in  specific death actions or reactions. American film seems to distort death into a sensational stream of violent attacks by males, with fear, injury, and further aggression being the norm. It does seem apparent that the American public cannot seem to get enough of death exposure via the media.

We are currently saturated with forensics programs on television, both fictional and documentary. We are shown crime scenes of homicide and victim injuries, real and enacted. Why are we so fascinated and obsessed, and increasingly so, with death in all its many facets and forms?

I plan to show sample death scenes from American films categorized as: Popular, Popular/Award, and Award. I will then present basic findings from the study mentioned above which are at the very least interesting and often alarming. In addition, I will suggest and describe possible implications drawn from death as depicted in American film.

I think we can have a lively discussion!!

Please RSVP to dthumphrey1@prodigy.net  or 972-239-2490.