Film Studies – Making Sense of Contemporary Films
By considering elements such as visual style, sound, cinematography, editing and narrative construction, we will identify aspects of the language of film that go beyond dialogue and plot. We will also consider how meaning can be enhanced through knowledge of the context of films, through aspects such as genre, a director’s output, and cinema history.
Film extracts for study are likely to feature:
Django Unchained (Quentin Tarantino, USA, 2012)
The Great Beauty (Paolo Sorrentino, Italy-France, 2013)
Black Panther (Ryan Coogler, USA, 2018)
Cold War (Pawel Pawlikowski, Poland-France-UK, 2018)
Once Upon a Time in Anatolia (Nuri Bilge Ceylan, Turkey-Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2011)
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (Céline Sciamma, France, 2019)
Skyfall (Sam Mendes, UK-USA, 2012)
Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone with an interest in films and a curiosity to learn about aspects of cinema history and culture. You are not required to have any prior film knowledge or familiarity with the films under discussion.
What can I expect?
This topic will be explored through viewing and analysis of film extracts, tutor presentations, class discussions, and supporting handouts.
Will I need any equipment or materials?
You will need a notebook and pen to take notes. You are not required to purchase any textbooks or DVDs.
Outstanding tutor, I always learn something new. It's perfect. No improvement needed.
Image: Portrait of a Lady on Fire, dir. Céline Sciamma, 2019
Need to Know
You will learn
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- identify aesthetic qualities of the selected films
- identify some key films, exponents, themes and characteristics
- identify techniques involved in the construction of films.
Meet the Tutor
Hilary Smith
Hilary Smith is a lecturer in film studies at Birkbeck, University of London, and has also taught at City University London, Imperial College London and Arcadia University.
Hilary has a professional background in film curation and arts administration, and was formerly a curator and programme manager for BFI Southbank (formerly known as the National Film Theatre) at the British Film Institute.
Hilary has received a Distinguished Teaching and Scholarship Award for ‘an outstanding contribution to teaching and learning’.
Dates and Times
Film Studies – Making Sense of Contemporary Films
, 5:36
