Movie buffs love to challenge Oak Parkers at library screenings

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Oak Park Public Library volunteer Doug Deuchler (left) and librarian Alan Jacobson talk about the library’s film programs they create. | Meredith Morris~For Sun-Times Media

Updated: February 13, 2012 9:04AM

“Want to catch a movie?” isn’t a casual question at the Oak Park Public Library.

Two men shape the library’s film program and aim to make its screenings more than just entertainment.

They strive for quality cultural events on par with the book discussions most people associate with libraries, said Oak Park librarian Alan Jacobson.

Jacobson, who has a film degree and has also taught film, runs the library’s film program with Doug Deuchler, film historian, film teacher and library volunteer. Both recognize films as as some of the best work in the library’s collection.

Deuchler, a retired librarian, is volunteer coordinator of the library’s weekday matinee film series and of special series that have accompanied some of the library’s celebrations of writers like Ernest Hemingway, Edgar Allan Poe and Maurice Sendak.

Deuchler’s passion is classic films appreciated as entertainment and works of art. One of his recent series, for instance, “Betty, Bogie and Max,” featured Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart films with scores by legendary composer Max Steiner. Deuchler’s matinees are popular, often drawing 100 viewers, many of whom are retirees who stick around for lively post-film discussions.

On the other hand, Jacobson, in his role on staff, created the library’s “Oak Park Viewers” evening series and plans occasional special programming, like showings of Academy Award contenders. He draws typically smaller groups to his evening screenings that center on indie, foreign and other more recent films.

His picks have included Michael Haneke’s “The White Ribbon,” David Cronenberg’s “History of Violence” and films by Jim Jarmusch. Though fewer attend his screenings, Jacobson’s work isn’t lost. He’s attracted a sizable “virtual following,” evidenced by spikes of interest in the library’s copies of “Oak Park Viewers” films.

“We’re promoting the Oak Park library as a place for meaningful discussion, no matter how people are able to go about it,” he said.

Jacobson and Deuchler appreciate the community’s generally high level of education and intellectual curiosity that invites controversial and politically questionable films that might not fly in other villages. They also appreciate the library administration’s support of their efforts.

“The people who come here astound me with the knowledge they bring, whether they’re drawing from a philosophical perspective or riffing off of one another or my questions,” Jacobson said, adding that it’s not unusual for him to have a Marxist, feminist or other “super-smart person” in the room who amps-up the level of discussion.

Film-goers also regularly include people who travel relatively long distances by public transportation, making significant efforts to catch the quality, free programming.

Jacobson and Deuchler precede their screenings with 5-10 minute commentaries that provide historical or cinemagraphic context, reflecting the library’s desire to provide “value-added” screenings. In the case of films that contains violence or other potentially offensive material, commentaries include warnings to deter audience discomfort and urge those not interested to leave.

“I don’t want to feel like I’m subjecting people to anything,” Jacobson said.

For the most part, however, Oak Park’s film community is receptive to challenging screenings followed by active discussions.

“Sometimes I pick a film and then when I see it on a schedule in print, I say to myself, ‘Oh my gosh, what was I thinking?’” Deuchler said. But repeatedly, he’s been surprised viewers’ tolerance and empathy.

In January the Oak Park Viewers series launched “Bogie!,” a Humphrey Bogart series.

In February, look for the matinee series to kick-off films by Billy Wilder, inspired by audience request.

For more information on these, other films and their screening locations, see the library’s calendar online at www.oppl.org or call (708) 383-8200.