Module Content and Indicative Topics

This module will offer an introduction to the theory and practice of film analysis, as well as an analysis of film genre. The module uses weekly film case studies to demonstrate how film language developed through time and how technological turning points (such as the introduction of sound and colour) transformed film narrative and style. A range of key filmmakers, movements and innovations are examined, with reference to a range of core film studies concepts.

The module will cover the following topics, which may be subject to variation depending on developments in academic research and on film availability:

Techniques and concepts for film sequence analysis
 Early sound film
 Technological turning points such as film sound and colour and their impact on film language
 Film genres such as the political thriller and documentary films
 The auteur theory and its application
 Key auteurs such as François Truffaut and Michelangelo Antonioni and key directors such as Costa Gavras and Marleen Gorris.
Teaching Delivery

The module consists of a weekly lecture (1 hour), plus a weekly seminar (1 hour; students will be allocated to one of several seminar groups). There is no screening for this module; all films are available via Box of Broadcasts or another online resource. Students are expected to attend all lectures and seminars, to have completed the set preparatory reading and viewing before the seminar, and to come prepared to discuss the films and topics. The tutors’ teaching style is informal and supportive, with an emphasis on collective participation.

By the end of the module, you should be able to:

Analyse (orally and in writing) film sequences using key film studies concepts, articulating a range of audio-visual strategies and styles and how they function within the film as a whole.
 Have an overview of the historical development of cinema in terms of key technologies, industry and practices.
 Apply a range of aspects of film studies concepts and approaches to films and film culture.
 Compare and contrast the styles of two or more auteurs and/or national traditions in cinema, and articulate the strengths and weaknesses of these models.
 Articulate how cinema reflects and shapes identities and cultures, with reference to examples.
Recommended Reading

In preparation for the module, we advise reading the following core texts. These are available as e-books in the UCL Library:

Monaco, J., 2009. How to read a film: movies, media, and beyond : art, technology, language, history, theory. Fourth edition. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press.
 Guynn, W.H. (ed.) 2010. The Routledge companion to film history. London; New York, NY: Routledge.
 

 

Please note: this module description is accurate at the time of publication. Amendments may be made prior to the start of the academic year.