A Beloved Fantasy Adventure
‘The Princess Bride’ is a 1987 fantasy adventure comedy film directed by Rob Reiner and based on the 1973 novel of the same name by William Goldman. The film tells the story of a farmhand named Westley, who must rescue his true love, Princess Buttercup, from the evil Prince Humperdinck. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles and allies, such as a giant, a swordsman, a pirate, and a miracle worker.
The film is widely regarded as one of the most quotable and beloved films of all time, with memorable lines such as “As you wish,” “Inconceivable!” and “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” The film also features a framing device of a grandfather reading the story to his sick grandson, adding a layer of humor and metafiction to the narrative.
A Twist on the Classic
The screening of ‘The Princess Bride’ was not a typical one, as the audience was encouraged to participate in the film by shouting out the lines, cheering, booing, and throwing props at the screen. The event was inspired by the interactive screenings of ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’, another cult classic film that has a loyal fan base.
The organizers of the event, the members of Sigma Tau Delta, provided the audience with a script, a bag of props, and instructions on when and how to use them. For example, the audience was instructed to throw peanuts whenever Fezzik, the giant, appeared on screen or to wave a plastic sword whenever Inigo Montoya said his famous catchphrase.
The event was a huge success, as the audience enjoyed the film and the interactive experience. The organizers said that they wanted to create a fun and engaging way to celebrate the film and its literary origins, as well as foster a sense of community among the students and faculty of the English department.
More Events to Come
The screening of ‘The Princess Bride’ was the second event of the Sigma Tau Delta film series, which started in October with a screening of ‘The Shining’, a horror film based on the novel by Stephen King. The film series will continue in February 2024 with a screening of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, a dystopian film based on the novel by Margaret Atwood.
The film series is open to all students and faculty of the university, as well as the general public. The organizers said that they hope to attract more people to the events and raise awareness of society and its activities. Sigma Tau Delta is an honor society that recognizes high achievement in the English language, literature, and writing and offers scholarships, internships, grants, awards, and publication opportunities to its members.
