This course trains students to become practitioners of formal film analysis. Throughout the semester, we will study core aspects of cinematic language, e.g., editing, lighting, cinematography, mise-en-scène, sound, stars/acting, film narrative, and genre. To do this, we will look to distinctly representative films culled from various film cultures/subcultures and geographies. These may include, for example, Italian Neorealism, French New Wave, Hong Kong New Wave, Classical Hollywood, Animation, Iranian Cinema, Thai Cinema, American Avant-Garde, New Queer Cinema. This is not a writing-intensive course; nevertheless, students are required to produce formal film analysis and shot-scene analysis for the midterm and final exams; additionally, in the second half of the course, students will make oral presentations in small groups on a contemporary indie film. To further enhance our engagement with film culture and aesthetics, students are required to attend two screenings at HIFF (Hawaiʻi International Film Festival). Students should leave the course with: 1) an understanding of how filmmakers use film techniques to explore culture, generate meaning, and express mood and feeling on screen; 2) a sense of film style at different historical moments and locations; 3) skills in writing about film formally, i.e., close reading.
This course does not have a required textbook, as written texts will be provided. However, students should be prepared to purchase tickets to attend two HIFF screenings.