FRN2250

French film study

Proposed to be offered next in 1999

A Macdonald

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton

Objectives Students completing this subject should have gained familiarity with a number of films representative of significant moments and important artists in French cinema. They should have a quite detailed knowledge of a small number of studied films, and a more casual knowledge of a greater number of titles viewed in the course of the semester. They should be able to discuss films critically in a manner which displays familiarity with formal categories, analytical method, and French critical writing specific to the genre.

Synopsis This subject aims to introduce students to a variety of Francophone films, with particular emphasis on the very rich body of work from mainland France. It will draw on a wide range of periods and movements within French-speaking cinema, but will focus on a small number of films in any one semester. This will be done with a view to providing students with analytical skills relevant to film studies, whilst developing their awareness of different cinematic methodologies. Attention will also be given to French traditions of writing about screen culture.

Assessment Class presentation (including a 200-word outline): 15%
* Essay (1500 words): 25%
* Reading report or film criticism (1500 words): 25%
* Viewing and reading diary (3000 words): 35%

Preliminary reading

Forbes J The Cinema in France Macmillan
Jeancolas J-P Histoire du cinéma français Nathan

Prescribed films

Beneix Diva
Varda Cléo de 5 à 7
Vigo L'Atalante
Vigo Zero de conduite

Recommended reading

Daney S Cinéjournal