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August 1997, Week 1

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Subject:
From:
Mike Frank <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Film and TV Studies Discussion List <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Fri, 1 Aug 1997 11:57:41 -0400
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TEXT/PLAIN (46 lines)
while all the topics suggested in the query below seem interesting and
important, i note that none of them deal in any way with the cienmatic
specificity of the film medium, instead dealing with certain thematics that in
principle [and no doubt in practice as well] surely are presetn in other
expressions of contemporary culture . . it's possible to argue -- on even
numbered days i make the argument myself -- that these themes are the "most
important" element in the package of the film experience . . . but i would
imagine that a course called "Contemporary Film Criticism" really owes it to
those enrolled to devote at least a little attention to such issues as montage
theory, the gaze, the construction of ideology via images, film as document
vs. film as art, reception theory, questions of images as a language, to
choose just a few issues that come immediately to mind . . .
 
. . . perhaps the simplest way to do this is to use an anthology [the latest
FILM GENRE READER, or the latest version of the gerald mast, or bordwell's
recent revisionist collection]
 
 
mike frank
*************************************************
 
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
 
I would appreciate any suggestions anyone may have in developing
a course titled "Contemporary Film Criticism" I am teaching
a three-credit undergraduate (junior level) course which has
not been taught in years. The six week course, according
to the catalogue, is an analysis and evaluation of contemporary
films and criticism. "Students trace current feature films
to their artistic and cinematic roots and assess the value of
the new offerings. At the same time they evaluation national
criticism (not reviews) of new offerings.
 
After giving an overview of film reviews/criticism/analysis
in terms of style and purpose, I thought I would address
specific issues in relation to current films. For example
how the us vs. them mentality has resurface in alien
films (MEN IN BLACK, INDEPENDENCE DAY), which can be
examined in relation to 1950's sci-fi. I am also thinking
of devoting a session to recent films (like Greg Arraki's
NOWHERE and CHASING AMY) which deal with the bisexual
 
----
Online resources for film/TV studies may be found at ScreenSite
http://www.sa.ua.edu/screensite

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