Film Studies - Italian Neorealism
This course will take place in person.
Acclaimed film director and historian Martin Scorsese has called Italian neorealism ‘the most precious moment in film history’; this course will consider why, and will address key films, practitioners and stylistic qualities of Italian Neorealism cinema. The film movement’s antecedents and influence will also be considered.
This topic will be explored through viewing and analysis of film extracts, tutor presentations and class discussions. Film extracts will include Bicycle Thieves (Vittorio De Sica, Italy, 1948), Rome 11 O'clock (Giuseppe De Santis, Italy, 1952), The Earth Trembles (Luchino Visconti, Italy, 1948), Bitter Rice Giuseppe De Santis, Italy, 1949) and Rome, Open City (Roberto Rossellini, Italy, 1945).
The qualities, production and reception of these films will be considered through viewing and analysis of film extracts, tutor presentations and class discussions.
This course is a follow-on to courses which looked at other films in the poll, but it is a stand-alone course and you do not need to have taken the previous ones.
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 DVDs.
Practical information
This course will be taught through a combination of tutor presentations and group discussions.
How we’re keeping you safe
August 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.
Bishopsgate Institute has a thorough cleaning schedule in place and we clean the most populated areas more often. You will find hand-sanitising stations throughout the building as well as touch-free drinking fountains.
Find out more about how we’re keeping you safe.
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Need to Know
You will learn
At the end of this course, you will have learnt how 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 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 - Italian Neorealism
, 6:15 - 12:15
