The difference between a great premise and a great story often comes down to two things: "intention and obstacle." What does a character want, and what's standing in their way? The answers create conflict, and conflict is what keeps us invested. This month, we'll watch four films that demonstrate just how powerful that simple storytelling formula can be.

One of the most imaginative and visually distinctive films of Hollywood's Golden Age, A Matter of Life and Death comes from legendary British filmmakers Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, the creative team behind The Red Shoes and Black Narcissus. 

The film begins with an extraordinary premise: a Royal Air Force pilot survives a plane crash he was never supposed to survive and finds himself caught between Earth and the afterlife while arguing his case before a celestial court.  Romantic, funny, philosophical, and deeply moving, the film remains a timeless celebration of love, humanity, and the value of a single life.

***

This film is being presented as part of the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library's Wednesday Movie Club, a weekly showcase of movies that matter for people who love movies.  Bring a friend of just come by yourself (most people do).  Attendees will be invited to discuss the film immediately following the screening. Registration is not required. 

Title: A Matter of Life and Death
Rating: PG
Runtime:1h 44m
Production Year: 1946
Cast: David Niven, Kim Hunter, Roger Livesey, Marius Goring, Raymond Massey
Director: Emeric Pressburger