to the cinema to have a good laugh and to forget their worries. Thinks that the comedy under discussion is the best film of the year:

the actors are in top form, the music in the picture creates a kind of frame-work for the story. The comedy he saw and liked has be-

come a source of inspiration for his further investigation.

2. Oleg Kaladze, 20 year-old youth, a great cinema fan. His favourite actress is playing the leading role in the comedy, which

Oleg likes very much. He is struck by the artistic quality of certain scenes. Is not impressed by the feature film. Thinks that it is

ahead of its time and in fact acting is most important for the success of the film, while the plot is insignificant. Oleg is for the

comedy.

3. Alia Larina, aged 25, a teacher of Russian Literature. Doesn't think it is possible to discuss these two films as they belong to

different genres. Each is fine in its own way. The feature reflects a human creature, his ideas. It represents an individual

consciousness. Its excellence lies in its power over other people's minds. The comedy gives you a short and pleasant rest, a kind of

relaxation. Both films are superb, both are the best.

4. Boris Runin, aged 47, a well-known film director who has made quite a number of features and popular science films. Always

works in this genre. Thinks that a comedy is a simple entertainment and the comedy under discussion is no exception. It contains

pleasant images but teaches you nothing. You like it because it is unreal, offers an escape. But it doesn't affect the spectator. He

leaves the theatre in the same darkness with which he entered it. Naturally Boris is for the feature film.

5. Rita Strogova, aged 60, a pensioner, prefers the feature film which made her think a lot and raised many problems. Despises

people who produce and like comedies and other films «for mere entertainment. Thinks that people who go to these films don't want

to be bothered, they don't want responsibility, they want to remain asleep. Rita's idea is that "no matter how spectacular, the film will

be a failure if it has no real message". Rita is for the feature film.

6. Helen Grabova, aged 45, a famous actress, starred in many films. Sees a lot of advantages in both films, but she never gives

judgements about her colleagues. Thinks that an artist can no more judge another artist than one child can judge other children. Each

artist has his particular vision. You can't wear someone else's glasses; they would fit badly, and you wouldn't see. The artist's glasses

only work when they are put on non-artists, whom they move, touch, surprise. Thinks as both films have had long and suc cessful

runs they both should be equally rewarded.

Note: Divide your group into two teams, each of which should perform the same role play. While discussing the films show their merits and imperfections. Speak about the impression both films have produced on your character. Disagree with some of the participants of the conference, share the