Introduction to French Cinema

Course Details

Convener: Dr Ann Miller

Credits: 20

Course Code: FR2023

Module Overview

This module will focus on two key periods in French cinema:

• Thirties cinema – in considering the work of cineastes such as Vigo and Renoir we shall discuss the key themes of thirties French cinema, including class conflict and the yearning for escape. We will analyse the varying styles of these directors, from Vigos’ use of montage, inspired by the Surrealists, to Carné’s intensely poetic version of realism, and Renoir’s satire of bourgeois society.
• New Wave cinema – we will study the work of filmmakers such as Godard and Truffant who challenged the narrative and stylistic codes and choice of subject matter of mainstream cinema in the late fifties. We shall analyse the ways in which they renewed filmmaking practices, and investigate the social, political and literary context within which they were working.

Assessment Methods

• coursework 100%