TAFS242-12S2 (C) Semester Two 2012
Popular and Art Film

Description

This course explores the relationship between commercially based and artistically motivated film.  In the first half of the course, we will study popular films, which represent different film genres such as the Western, the musical film and the horror film.  Different theories will allow students to define genre conceptually, while facilitating their work in groups as they produce their own short genre films.  In the second half of the course, we will study art films, which represent various European film movements such as Italian Neorealism, the French New Wave and New German Cinema.  The distinction between popular and art film will provide the central focus of our discussions, but this very distinction will also be placed in question.  Students will be introduced to the basics of video shooting and editing in order to make their own films.

Materials looked at and discussed will include: Once Upon a Time in the West; Shane; Andre Bazin; Imitation of Life; Singin' in the Rain; The Shining; Ideology; Auteur theory; The Matrix; film noir; Italian neo-realism; Rome Open City; Godard and the French New Wave; Breathless; 8-1/2; David Bordwell; Blow-Up; Laura Mulvey; Wim Wenders; Michael Haneke; and more.

Pre-requisites

Restrictions

Recommended Preparation

For further information see Theatre and Film Studies on the department and colleges page.