This course will take place in person.
The poll was prompted by the absence of female filmmakers in the results of previous surveys by BBC Culture.
This course looks at the films voted in 5th to 1st place: Lost in Translation (Sofia Coppola, USA, 2003), Beau Travail (Claire Denis, France,1999), Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (Chantal Akerman, Belgium - France, 1975), Cléo from 5 to 7 (Agnès Varda, France - Italy, 1962), and The Piano (Jane Campion, New Zealand - Australia - France, 1993).
The qualities, production and reception of these films, and the careers of the directors behind them, will be considered through viewing and analysis of film extracts, tutor presentations and class discussions.
Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone with an interest in film and a curiosity to learn more about cinema. You are not required to have any prior film knowledge of or familiarity with the films under discussion.
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 to arrange access to the films.
Hilary is a great tutor, and her ability to make it an open and inclusive experience is fantastic.
Practical information
This course will be taught through a combination of tutor presentations and group discussions.
How we’re keeping you safe
April 2022 update: Keeping you safe and healthy is our number one priority.
If you test positive for Covid-19 or are asked to isolate and are not able to attend your class or pre-booked event, please contact the Bishopsgate Box Office for further information (enquiries@bishopsgate.org.uk). Please do not come to the Institute in person if you have symptoms or have tested positive.
Wearing a face mask is no longer compulsory but we ask you to consider others when in our building and especially when spending time in crowded and enclosed spaces where you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet. You will see many of our staff and volunteers continuing to wear face masks and we are keeping the perspex screens at our reception desks.
Bishopsgate Institute has strict cleaning protocols in place and ventilation throughout the building. There are hand-sanitising stations available throughout the building and touch-free drinking fountains. Find out more about how we’re keeping you safe.
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You will learn
- Identify aesthetic qualities of the selected films
- Describe production contexts of the selected films
- Recognise distinguishing qualities of the filmmakers’ work.
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’.
Course Overview
Week 1
Introduction
By the end of the session you should be able to identify the context of the BBC Culture poll and approaches taken to the evaluation and categorisation of films.
Week 2
Lost in Translation (Sofia Coppola, USA, 2003)
By the end of the session you should be able to identity key characteristics and qualities of the film, contextual factors of its production and reception, and the output of its director.
Week 3
Beau Travail (Claire Denis, France, 1999)
By the end of the session you should be able to identity key characteristics and qualities of the film, contextual factors of its production and reception, and the output of its director.
Week 4
Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (Chantal Akerman, Belgium - France, 1975)
By the end of the session you should be able to identity key characteristics and qualities of the film, contextual factors of its production and reception, and the output of its director.
Week 5
Cléo from 5 to 7 (Agnès Varda, France - Italy, 1962)
By the end of the session you should be able to identity key characteristics and qualities of the film, contextual factors of its production and reception, and the output of its director.
Week 6
The Piano (Jane Campion, New Zealand - Australia - France, 1993)
By the end of the session you should be able to identity key characteristics and qualities of the film, contextual factors of its production and reception, and the output of its director.
Need to Know
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