Weimar Film & Film Theory

4.0 credits

Weimar Germany (1918–1933) was a tumultuous era — bookended by two world wars, marked by instability that culminated in the collapse of Germany's first democracy. It was also a rich moment for artistic innovation, especially cinema: Weimar film became hugely influential for Western cinema. This course examines canonical and lesser-known films, drawing on movements like Expressionism and New Objectivity. We'll consider the context in which these films were made and watched — film's role in society and politics, its relation to other art forms — asking what counts as art, what impact film can have on society, and what responsibility a filmmaker bears. Texts and discussions in English.