IN PERSON: Oscar Wilde’s wit, elegance, and sharp insight into human behavior have ensured his literary afterlife across many artistic forms. This six-week course examines three classic Hollywood adaptations of Wilde’s works: "The Canterville Ghost" (1944), "The Picture of Dorian Gray" (1945), and "The Importance of Being Earnest" (1952). These films reveal the breadth of Wilde’s range — from spectral satire to Gothic morality to social comedy — and illustrate how his tone and themes transition from page to screen. Through alternating weeks of screening and discussion, participants will explore questions of authenticity, visual style, humor, gender, morality, and modernity in Wilde’s cinematic legacy. The course welcomes both Wilde enthusiasts and general film lovers who enjoy thoughtful dialogue about art, storytelling, and timelessness in adaptation. | Lecture + Q&A, Facilitated discussion.
Max enrollment: 40.
Location: Judea Reform Congregation, 1933 W. Cornwallis Rd, Durham NC 27705
