British Cinema

What films come to mind when you see the words British Cinema? Alfred Hitchcock's 39 Steps or Carol Reed's classic film noir The Third Man? Fabulous historical epics like Zulu, Elizabeth, or Braveheart? Comedies from The Ladykillers to the unclothed Sheffield steelworkers of The Full Monty? The tale of football of multicultural Britain that is Bend It Like Beckham? This course will study the historical development of British cinema, tracing its roots from music halls at the turn of century to the multiplexes of a globalized culture dominated by Hollywood. We will also explore the different types and genres of film to be found in British cinema: realism and expressionism, cinema as national popular culture, humor and horror, constructions of Britishness, film as an ideological medium, films that pushed the boundaries of sex and orientation, epics, and imperial and post-colonial themes that played out on the screen. By the end of this course you will understand the complex and diverse character of British cinema through the analysis of actual films and engagement with critical studies of them. This is a course for advanced students taught in an intensive seminar format; you will be expected to view films outside of class time.