Fearless

Thursday, March 20, 2003 – 7:30pm
USA, 1993. Director: Peter Weir

Director Peter Weir earned well-deserved critical acclaim for this underrated drama. Weir’s subtle use of visual symbolism imparts a mystical overtone to what is essentially a psychological character study of a man who survives an airplane crash. A psychiatrist and lawyer take on prominent roles in the aftermath, as does a troubled marriage, but the essence of the film remains focused on the fragility of life. As the protagonist, Jeff Bridges’ provides an unnerving, understated performance, while Oscar-nominee Rosie Perez – who also survived the crash but lost her infant son – convincingly portrays a mother in the throes of clinical depression. Weir’s juxtaposition of calming, classical music during a flashback to the horrific airplane crash, when most directors would have staged the event like an action sequence, results in the perfect culmination of the film’s overall mood of eerie transcendence.
Colour, 35mm, 122 mins.

The program will include:
A post-screening discussion with:
Dr. Steven Taylor. Dr. Taylor is a Professor and Clinical Psychologist in the UBC Department of Psychiatry. His clinical and research interests concern the etiology and treatment of anxiety disorders. He has published over 120 scientific articles and book chapters, and 5 books, with the most recent being a clinician’s guide to health anxiety, to be published by Guilford Press. Dr. Taylor will lead a discussion on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and will be introduced by Elen Alexov, President, Anxiety Disorders Association of B.C

Evening moderated by:
Dr. Harry Karlinsky Director of Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia.

This evening is co-sponsored by the Anxiety Disorders Association of B.C.