For the first time in AHS history, the administration has called “Action!” on the prospect of a course on film. The Colt had the opportunity to talk to the man who made this marvel possible, history and film teacher Russell Bartholomee. We discussed his inspirations in film, the highs of teaching, and his expectations for the year.

The Colt: What was the first film to shake up your world?

Russell Bartholomee: It’s a bit of a cliché, but the first film that really affected me was Star Wars. I was four when it came out, and my family went to see it on the opening weekend. I was hooked from the first shot. I know I was taken to movies before that, but that’s the first film that I remember seeing and paying complete attention to. I think I convinced my parents to take me back about six times, and this was in the days before home video.

TC:  Are you more excited to teach about the analyzing or making of films (or is it all interconnected)?

RB: It’s all connected, but I am probably a little more excited this year about the production component, if only because I haven’t taught that before. I have taught Film theory, history, and analysis before, and that is very comfortable. So it’s all good.

TC: How open is your curriculum, and what process did you have to go through to teach this class?

RB: IB sets the curriculum and standards that they require to be taught. Within that framework, I have a lot of leeway. They recommend certain films, but as long as the curriculum is covered, the details are left up to me.

TC: What is your background in film?

RB: It is primarily as a fan. I studied Film in college, but it was not my major. The focus of my masters degree was on 20th Century US History, with an emphasis on popular culture. I have participated in a few productions in mostly minor roles (but I did get an imdb page out of it, so that’s not too bad). My older brother is a filmmaker and actually got his degree in Film from NYU. I credit him with igniting my love for Film. I taught a Film History course in Mansfield for four years.

TC: What is this class all about? What legacy do you hope to leave in the minds of future film viewers/makers?

RB: The IB Film class is about learning to appreciate and understand films as both a viewer and filmmaker. The process in this class is similar to studying literature, music theory, or visual arts. They’ll learn how to actively “read” a film, as opposed to just passively watch a movie. Whether my students go on to be filmmakers or not, I want them to be informed viewers. At the end of this course, I hope they will really know and appreciate the difference between a well-made film and a waste of their time and money.

TC: What kind of students should take this class, and what skills should they expect to have under their belt by the end of it?

RB: The class should appeal to anyone who loves film (and that includes television), but wants to deepen their understanding of the art. Whether people love watching movies or want to be part of the creative process (or both), they should enjoy this class. I don’t assume any particular skill set coming in. I have students who have barely held a camera, and others who have already made their own films. Some who are already well-versed in classic films, and others who are just starting down that road. But at the end, they should be able to intelligently discuss any film they watch, both in terms of its place in film history/theory, as well as the technical aspects that went into making the film. And they should be able to construct their own short film.

TC: Did you always want to be a teacher?

RB: I did not. I went to college expecting to prepare for a career in journalism. I wanted to write for a newspaper or a magazine. I actually worked for a daily paper my first year out of college. I discovered that, while I have the greatest respect for journalists and still love to write, the paper I worked for was not a great environment. I majored in History, and teaching was sort of my back-up plan. I genuinely thought that I would only teach for a year or so until a better opportunity at a different newspaper presented itself. But before the first semester was over, I found that I adored teaching. I accidentally stumbled into my calling. It’s been 21 years so far, and I still love it.

TC: What about the profession appeals to you?

RB: I love that moment when my students make a connection to what I’m presenting, whether it’s in History or Film. When it’s really theirs, and not just something they’re parroting back. There’s nothing better than making that moment happen for students. Having summers off is nice too. I’m not going to lie to you.