HISTORY OF EUROPEAN FILM

DIS FALL 2009

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HISTORY OF EUROPEAN FILM

DIS FALL 2009 ECH 3 Credit Course Tuesday and Friday, 11:40-13:00, DIS 7-31
Instructor: Anne Jespersen.
Cand.mag. (English Literature, Film History and Theory, University of Copenhagen, 1982.) Editor of the film yearbook "Filmssonen" 1985-99. Bookpublisher (Forlaget April) 1985-94. Has translated several books and written film reviews and filmhistorical articles. Assistant Professor at the Department of Film & Media Studies, Copenhagen University. Frequently lectures at The European Film College in Ebeltoft, at Hamburg Media School and at other universities abroad. With DIS since 1987. Anne Jespersen Tel.: 33 25 27 24 e-mail: aj@dis.dk DIS contacts: Jakob Lorentzen: jlo@dis.dk Amelia Wirts: aw@dis.dk

Content:
The course offers an introduction to film understanding, the elements of film language, film aesthetics, and film history in general as a basis for an analysis of European cinema. Following an introduction to early European film history, the course will concentrate on Italian Neorealism, Masters of Scandinavian Cinema, French New Wave, Masters of Experiment and Modernism, European Cinema of the 1970's, 1980's, 1990's and 2000's. Examples from the American film history will be investigated as comparison. The main emphasis will be on seeing and understanding films and film makers in relation to their historical, literary, and motion picture backgrounds, partly through film examples, partly through reading material. Each class will concentrate on one theme or aspect of film history and will include a related film viewing. The course does not include practical film making - the approach is analytical, aesthetical, and historical.

Objectives:
By the end of the course, each student will have gained: - A sound knowledge of the history of European cinema in its relation to cultural and social conditions and general film history - An understanding of the basic facts and methods of film analysis - The ability to produce an academic research paper demonstrating a skill to interpret and discuss the history of European film

Method:
The course will include lectures, discussions of films and required readings, and film viewings. Each week will concentrate on one theme or aspect of European cinema and will include a related film viewing. The films are in English or with English subtitles.

Academic Procedures and Regulations

Please, see the DIS Booklet Schedules Fall 2009, pp. 2-4.

Attendance Policy
Attendance at all scheduled classes is required, and each student is responsible for all material covered or assigned in class. Included in the computation of the final grade in the course is participation. Participation extends to all class sessions, film viewings, as well as activity in class discussion and a general contribution to the progress of the class. Note that the films are shown only once.

Reading List:
- Gerald Mast: A Short History of the Movies. 8th ed. Macmillan, New York & Toronto, 2003. - Peter Schepelern (ed.): A Reader on European Film History. Vol. 1-2. Copenhagen: DIS, 1986. - Todd Gitlin: Life in the Postmodern World. The Wilson Quarterly, 1989. - Susan Sontag: Against Interpretation and Other Essays. (New York 1966). - Pauline Kael on the best film ever made (=Raising Kane) New York, 1971. - Anne Jespersen: Nothing on MTV. Michelangelo Antonioni in a Postmodern Context. In: Sekvens 92: Postmodernism and the Visual Media. Dept. of Film and Media Studies. Copenhagen University, 1992.

Grades & Evaluation

The grades used by DIS instructors are as follows: A = Excellent = 4 B = Well above average = 3 C = Average = 2 D = Below average but passing = 1 P = Pass F = Failure or failure to complete = 0 I = Incomplete (only issued in place of final course grade if an agreement exists for completion by a definite deadline which is approved by the instructor and the DIS registrar). Plus (+) and minus (-) grades are used for examinations and home assignments as well as for final grades. For purposes of calculating grade points and averages, the "+" is equal to .3 and the "-" is equal to minus .3.

Evaluation:
Short Paper Midterm Research paper (incl. synopsis) Final exam Class Participation 10 % 25 % 25 % 25 % 15 %

Short Paper
The topic for the Short Paper will be given on Sep. 25 and the answer - an essay of 2-3 pages - must be handed in on Oct. 2.

Midterm & Final

The tests consist of questions of relatively simple facts (like: Who made this or that film?), questions of more complex character (like: mention the characteristics of this or that director), and questions to be answered with a short essay (like: Comment on the typical trends in modern Bulgarian cinema and their relation to the country's recent history). The answers will be weighted differently. Midterm Exam will be held on October 20. Final exam will be Wednesday, December 19th, 15:00-17:00

Research Paper Synopsis

On October 27, you are to hand in a synopsis of your Research Paper. The synopsis should give the topic of your paper, the issue/question/problem you wish to investigate/discuss, a detailed outline, and the sources you intend to use. When grading the research paper, the synopsis will be considered.

Research Paper
The topics for the research paper are decided by the student and the instructor together. Normally, it would be on (or relate to) subjects and films dealt with in the course. It is possible to write about other topics by agreement with the instructor. Suggested structure of your paper: 1. Table of contents. 2. Introduction: Presentation of the subject to be investigated. An overview of the contents. A comment on the methodology. 3. Description: Summaries, observations, references. 4. Analysis: Comments, discussions, comparisons. 5. Summary and conclusion. 6. Notes & Bibliography. The paper should be based on the required reading, the additional reading found in the DIS library and/or the Danish Film Museum Library, the films seen in class, the class lectures and discussions. In the Introduction and Description, the factual material is presented. The main emphasis, though, should be on the analysis - that is: your personal discussion of the material. It is necessary to present the substance of the topic through paraphrasing and quotations (remember, always to footnote sources of direct quotations), but it is not sufficient only to paraphrase. The analysis of the material - your personal understanding and interpretation - is the important part of the paper. The paper should normally include a relatively detailed analysis of one of the films you have seen within the subject. Length: Appr. 12 type written pages, or appr. 3600 words.

You can choose between two deadlines for the handing in of the Research Paper: 1) not later than December 4 (in class), and the paper will be returned to you before the Final exams. 2) not later than December 11 (in class), and the paper will not be returned to you before the Final exams. Note: On October 27, you are to hand in a Research Paper Synopsis.

The Danish Film Institute Library

is located in the Film House, Filmhuset, Gothersgade 55 (close to Nrreport Station). The Library has a large collection of books, periodicals, stills and other film-related material. The Film House also has a book store, a video library, a cafe, plus three cinemas that show films every day. When writing your research paper, it is highly recommended that you do some of your research at the library, and/or take out material from their collections. The Library is open: Mon.: Tues: Wed.: Thur.: Fri.: Closed 12 noon - 7 p.m. 12 noon - 4 p.m. 12 noon - 7 p.m. 12 noon - 4 p.m.

Film Viewings
Please note that it is mandatory to watch each film before the relevant class. Below you will find a schedule of film viewings that allows you the opportunity to view the films together as a class. If, for some reason, you are unable to attend a viewing or would like to see a particular film again, it will be available on reserve in the Library. Keep in mind that these films act as the texts of this course and it is therefore just as necessary to watch each film attentively (i.e. take notes) before the class sessions in which it will be discussed.

All films will be shown beginning at 18:00 in room 7-31 Viewing Dates:
Day Monday, September 14 Monday, September 21 Thursday, September 24 Thursday, October 1 Monday, October 12 Thursday, October 15 Monday, October 19 Thursday, October 22 Monday, October 26 Monday, November 16 Monday, November 23 Monday, November 30 Thursday, December 3 Monday, December 7 Thursday, December 10 Film The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari The Battleship Potemkin The Crowd + Un Chien Andalou The Grand Illusion Citizen Kane Bicycle Thieves The Third Man Sunset Blvd. The Seventh Seal The 400 Blows Dr. Strangelove Belle de Jour Europa Dekalog AND The Celebration/Festen The Hours

SCHEDULE:
1895-1910:
August, 28 Fri 11:40-1:00 pm

European & American Film Pioneers

INTRODUCTION to the course Films: A selection of short films by Lumire (c. 1900); An Impossible Voyage by Georges Mlis (1904); Rescued by Rover by Cecil Hepworth (1905); The Gay Shoe Clerk by Edwin S. Porter (1903); Rescued from an Eagles Nest by Edwin S. Porter (1907) Reading: Mast, Chapters 1, 2 & 3: pp. 1-51. Reader Vol.I, pp. 1-12.

1910s:

Scandinavian Pioneers I

September, 1 Films: Ingeborg Holm by Victor Sjstrm (1913); Tues 11:40-1:00 pm Note: The film will be shown in class! Reading: Reader Vol. I, pp. 13-30

1910-1925
September, 4 Fri 11:40-1:00 pm

Scandinavian Pioneers II
Film: The Phantom Carriage by Victor Sjstrm (1921) (excerpt) Sir Arnes Trasure by Mauritz Stiller (1919) (excerpt) The Saga of Gsta Berling by M. Stiller (1925)(excerpt) Mast, Chapter 10: pp. 216-217 Mast, Chapter 14: pp. 380-382

Reading:

1896-2008

A Brief History of Danish Cinema

Examples from various Danish films. Binder article no. 10

September, 8 Film: Tues 11:40-1:00 pm Reading:

*Election of Class Representatives* Before Sep. 15: Viewing of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (70 min)

September, 11 Fri

No class (Denmark Tour)

1920s:

German Expressionism I
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari by Robert Wiene (1920) Reader Vol. I, pp. 31-50 + pp. 60-65 Mast, Chapter 7: pp. 148-158

September, 15 Film: Tues 11:40-1:00 pm Reading:

1920s:
September, 18 Fri 11:40-1:00 pm

German Expressionism II
Film: Reading: Various examples Reader Vol. I, pp. 50-60 Mast, Chapter 7: pp. 158-170 Mast, Chapter 11: pp. 256-260

Before Sep. 22: Viewing of The Battleship Potemkin (70 min)

1920s:

Russian Propaganda Film

The Battleship Potemkin by Sergei Eisenstein (1925) Mast, Chapter 8: pp. 171-195; Reader Vol. I, pp. 79-92, 101-108.

September, 22 Film: Tues 11:40-1:00 pm Reading:

Before Sep. 25: Viewing of The Crowd (90 min) + Un Chien Andalou (20 min)

1920s:
September, 25 Fri 11:40-1:00 pm

American Realism
Film: Reading: The Crowd by King Vidor (1928); Binder article no.11

1920s:

French Avant-Garde
Un Chien Andalou by Luis Buuel (1928); Entr'acte by Ren Clair (1924); Mast, Chapter 10: pp. 209-221; Reader Vol. I, pp. 109-112, 124-133.

September, 29 Film: Tues 11:40-1:00 pm Reading:

Before Oct. 2: Viewing of The Grand Illusion (115 min)

1930s:
October, 2 Fri 11:40-1:00 pm

French Poetic Realism

Film: Reading: The Grand Illusion by Jean Renoir (1937). Mast, Chapter 10: pp. 221-233; Reader Vol. I, pp. 134-163.

PROGRAM TOURS

Before Oct. 13: Viewing of Citizen Kane (120 min)

1940s:

Orson Welles & Citizen Kane

Citizen Kane by Orson Welles (1941); Mast, Chapter 11: pp. 274-283; Pauline Kael: Raising Kane (= Pauline Kael on the best film ever made)

October, 13 Film: Tues 11:40-1:00 pm Reading:

Before Oct. 16: Viewing of Bicycle Thieves (90 min)

1940s:
October, 16 Fri 11:40-1:00 pm

Italian Neo-Realism
Film: Reading: Bicycle Thieves by Vittorio de Sica (1948). Mast, Chapter 13: pp. 325-332; Reader Vol. II, pp. 1-18, 20-38.

Before Oct. 20: Viewing of The Third Man (100 min)

1940s:

Post-WW2 British Cinema

The Third Man by Carol Reed (1949). Reader Vol. II, pp. 59-64. Binder article no. 1. + MIDTERM EXAM

October, 20 Film: Tues 11:40-1:00 pm Reading:

Before Oct. 23: Viewing of Sunset Boulevard (110 min)

1950s:
October, 23 Fri 11:40-1:00 pm

American Film Noir

Film: Reading: Sunset Blvd. by Billy Wilder (1950). Binder article no. 12

Before Oct. 27: Viewing of The Seventh Seal (90 min)

1950s:

Bergman & Existentialism

October, 27 Film: The Seventh Seal by Ingmar Bergman (1956). Tues 11:40-1:00 pm Reading: Mast, Chapter 14: pp. 380-391; Reader Vol. II, pp. 65-81. Note: Research paper synopsis to be handed in today!

October 30 Fri 11:40-1:00 pm

Film:

Ingmar Bergman continued.

TRAVEL BREAK
Before Nov 17: Viewing of The 400 Blows (120 min)

1950s/1960s:

French New Wave

The 400 Blows by Franois Truffaut (1959). Mast, Chapter 13: pp. 348-379; Reader Vol.II, pp. 85-90, 95-99, 139-147;

November, 17 Film: Tues 11:40-1:00 pm Reading:

November, 20 Fri

No class

Before Nov 24: Viewing of Dr. Strangelove (90 min)

1960s:

Cold War Cinema

November, 24 Film: Dr. Strangelove Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Tues 11:40-1:00 pm Reading: Mast, Chapter 15: pp. 472-476. Binder article no. 2. November, 27 Fri No class /Study tours

Before Dec 1: Viewing of Belle de Jour (100 min)

1960s:

Modernism
Belle de Jour by Luis Buuel (1967). Reader Vol. II, pp. 148-178. Mast, Chapter 16: pp. 526-534.

December, 1 Film: Tues 11:40-1:00 pm Reading:

Before Dec 4: Viewing of Europa/Zentropa (100 min)

1980s/1990s:
December, 4 Fri 11:40-1:00 pm

Postmodernism
Film: Europa/Zentropa by Lars von Trier (1991) Reading: Binder article no. 4. Note: Research Paper must be handed in today for the grade to be ready before the Final exam!!

Before Dec 8: Viewing of Dekalog #1 (60 min) and Festen/The Celebration (100 min)

1980s/1990s:

Postmodernism and After

A selection of shorter films & extracts Dekalog1 by Krzysztof Kieslowski (1989) Binder article no. 5 and 6. Mast, Chapter 14: p. 413.

December, 8 Film: Tues 11:40-1:00 pm Reading:

1990s:
December, 9 NOTE!!!! Wednesday 10:00am - 12:20pm

Postmodernism and After (continued) + Contemporary European Film

Film: Reading: Celebration/Festen by Thomas Vinterberg (1998) Binder article no. 7.

Before Dec 11: Viewing of The Hours (115 min)

2000s:
December, 11 Fri 11:40-1:00 pm

Contemporary European Film

Film: The Hours by Stephen Daldry (2003) Reading: Binder article no. 13. Note: Last day for handing in the Research Paper! + Conclusion & Summary

December 16 Wed. 3pm-5pm

Final Exam Location TBA

10