Cinema: The French Phenomenon I From the Lumière Brothers to the New Wave

3 credits · Undergraduate

Given in English, with no knowledge of French required, this course traces the history of French film from its beginnings, through its “classic” period, to the movements and authors of the 1950’s and 60’s New Wave in French cinema. The social and broad cultural dimensions of the French and Francophone film world will be explored, as will its rich and changing aesthetic and theoretical implications. Lectures will blend with open discussion periods based on selected readings and viewings. Directors and scriptwriters whose work will be discussed include Renoir, Prévert, Bresson, Resnais, Duras, Godard, Robbe-Grillet, Varda, Bunuel, Truffaut, Malle, Rohmer, Chabrol. Actors as varied in technique as Arletty, Gabin, Belmondo, etc. will draw attention. CALENDAR NOTES: Film Studies minor specialists should consult program requirements. This course does not satisfy the French degree program requirements. French Majors and Honours students may take this course as an elective. FORMATS: Lecture | Discussion