The opening lectures will present a brief background of Hollywood history (studio system, technological developments, etc.), as well as a specific history of the musical genre (Busby Berkeley, Astaire/Rogers, Freed Unit). The remainder of the course will examine various approaches to the musical (genre, auteur, etc.); the contributions of individual stars, producers, directors, composers, and art directors, with the emphasis on directorial style and the creation of an unreal musical universe and how audience perception is manipulated to receive such a world. |