This course will take place online, for a reduced rate of Full £95 / Conc. £71
This course looks at the films voted in 10th to 6th place: No Country for Old Men, A Separation, Yi Yi: A One and a Two, The Tree of Life and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. We will view and discuss extracts, and you will learn more about the films and their creators. You will be taught through analysis of film extracts, presentations by the tutor, class discussions, and supporting handouts.
Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone with an interest in film and a curiosity to learn more about cinema. No prior film knowledge or familiarity with the films under discussion is required.
Will I need any equipment or materials?
This course will be held via Zoom. You need a computer/laptop or mobile phone to access the Zoom website, and a reliable internet connection. For further information on how to join a Zoom meeting, you can watch the joining video here.
You will need either a laptop or notebook and pen to take notes. Purchase of textbooks or DVDs is not required.
Are there any follow-on courses I can take?
Please sign up to our mailing list for information about other film courses on offer.
Will I be assessed?
There is no formal assessment for courses at Bishopsgate Institute. However, to monitor your learning and progress, tutors will assess your participation in classroom activities.
You will learn
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Identify aesthetic qualities of the selected films
- Describe production contexts of the selected films
- Recognise distinguishing qualities of the film-makers’ work.
Meet the Tutor
Hilary Smith
Hilary Smith is an associate lecturer and academic advisor in film studies at Birkbeck, University of London, and has also taught at City University London and Imperial College London.
She has a professional background in film curation and arts administration, and was formerly a curator and programme manager for BFI Southbank (the National Film Theatre) at the British Film Institute.
She has received a Distinguished Teaching and Scholarship Award for "an outstanding contribution to teaching and learning".
Course Overview
Week 1
Definitions of a "great film"
Consideration of what makes a "great film" and a "new classic". By the end of the session you should be able to identify approaches taken to the evaluation and categorisation of films.
Week 2
No Country for Old Men (Joel and Ethan Coen, USA, 2007)
By the end of the session you should be able to identify key characteristics and qualities of the film and contextual factors of its production and reception.
Week 3
A Separation (Asghar Farhadi, Iran, 2011)
By the end of the session you should be able to identify key characteristics and qualities of the film and contextual factors of its production and reception.
Week 4
Yi Yi: A One and a Two (Edward Yang, Taiwan-Japan, 2000)
By the end of the session you should be able to identify key characteristics and qualities of the film and contextual factors of its production and reception.
Week 5
The Tree of Life (Terrence Malick, USA, 2011)
By the end of the session you should be able to identify key characteristics and qualities of the film and contextual factors of its production and reception.
Week 6
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Michel Gondry, USA, 2004)
By the end of the session you should be able to identify key characteristics and qualities of the film and contextual factors of its production and reception.
Need to Know
#FROMTHE ARCHIVES
