KNOXVILLE — She has worked with the likes of Michael Douglas, Leonardo Dicaprio, Reese Witherspoon and Clint Eastwood and now she will share her experiences with students of the University of Tennessee.
Jeannine Oppewall, a three-time Oscar nominee, will speak at UT from 4 to 5: 30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12, in the Hodges Library Auditorium. Oppewall will discuss production design and her career in Hollywood. She will share slides from her past movies. The lecture is free and open to the public.
Three of Oppewall’s films will be shown prior to the lecture in Hodges Library room 129: “Tender Mercies” at 5 p.m., April 10; “Wonder Boys” at 7 p.m., April 10 and “L.A. Confidential” at 5 p.m., April 11.
Production designers create the primary visual style for a movie. They are responsible for everything an actor walks in front of, sits on, drives through or picks up – from locations to sets and interiors to furniture. For Oppewall, color is often key. The work makes the movie more realistic and visually appealing to audiences.
Oppewall explains that “a set is meant to be a visual metaphor for what is happening in a scene.”
“Jeannine is really one of the foremost production designers in the country,” said Chris Holmlund, cinema studies professor and organizer of the event. “This is an incredible opportunity for our students and for the Knoxville community to hear from her.”
Oppewall’s film credits include “Catch Me If You Can,” “The Sum of All Fears” and “The Bridges of Madison County.” Her work on “L.A. Confidential,” “Pleasantville” and “Seabiscuit” earned her Oscar nominations for outstanding achievement in art direction. She is currently working on the film “The Good Shepherd” with Robert DeNiro, Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie.
A reception will follow the lecture from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Hodges Library room 258.
For more information, contact Chris Holmlund at (865) 974-6994 or cholmlun@utk.edu.
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Contact:
Beth Gladden, media relations (865-974-9008) beth.gladden@tennessee.edu
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