Matthew Weiner, creator and executive producer of the AMC series “Mad Men,” will host a lecture this Sunday at 3 p.m. at Santa Barbara’s Granada Th eatre.
“Mad Men,” a drama about advertising executives during the 1960s, has won three consecutive Emmys for Outstanding Drama Series and three Golden Globes for Best Television Drama Series. Weiner previously worked as a writer and executive producer on HBO’s “Th e Sopranos” in its fth and sixth seasons.
“Period cocktail attire” is encouraged at the event, which is free for UCSB students and costs $28 for general admission.
Th e show has garnered popularity since its premiere in 2007, which lm & media studies professor Dr. Jennifer Holt said can be attributed to Weiner’s accurate, captivating portrayal of the 1960s in America.
“I think it’s one of the best written shows on television,” Holt said. “He weaves character studies with the social, political and cultural issues of the era and the actual ad campaigns of the 1960s.”
According to Holt, Weiner’s period series combines complex historical issues with motifs still relevant today.
“[Weiner] draws on universal themes like alienation, loneliness, power, drive and deception, layers them on top of these really original and compelling characters and then puts you in another time,” Holt said. “Every element of the show works to transport you.”
Film & media studies graduate student Maria Corrigan said the series’ understated poignancy has helped the show skyrocket to sudden success.
“It is sexy and it is subtle,” Corrigan said. “Th ere is a nice balance between beautiful visuals and a slow complex narrative.” According to Corrigan, though Weiner is quite secretive about the writing and production of the show, Sunday’s event may provide fans with a glimpse behind the scenes.
Film & media studies graduate student Jade Petermon said the show is a refreshing departure from the standard style and themes of many contemporary TV dramas.
“I think that the industry people think that audiences are dumb,” Petermon said. “ The popularity of ‘Mad Men’ proves that they’re not.”
Juliet Taylor, a fourth- year global studies major, said Weiner relates historical events to contemporary issues.
“Th ere are not that many opportunities to see successful people in such an intimate setting,” Taylor said. “[‘Mad Men’] has really good social commentary. A lot of the issues that were blatantly relevant back then are still relevant now, such as women’s rights.”
Tickets for Sunday’s event are on sale online and at the Arts & Lectures Box Offi ce in Building 402 adjacent to Campbell Hall.
Great story, but you forgot to mention that patrons are encouraged to come early for a costume contest – the prize is a meet-and-greet with Matt Weiner!