Postwar American Independent Cinema
FILM 348
Fall 2020
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01
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What exactly defines an "independent" film or filmmaker? How do independent filmmakers situate themselves in opposition to mainstream filmmaking and/or work in tandem with major studios? How have notions of independence changed over time? This course addresses these and other questions as it examines various models of American independent feature filmmaking in use from the studio era to the present day. We will explore the methods of production, distribution, and exhibition used by independent filmmakers and their range of reliance on the major studios. In addition, we will consider the aesthetic relationship between independent films and mainstream filmmaking, focusing in particular on how independents have used film form and narrative to differentiate their product. Screenings will likely include films directed by Ida Lupino, Sam Fuller, Herbert Biberman, Dwane Esper, Roger Corman, Russ Meyer, Melvin Van Peebles, John Waters, Morris Engel, Kent Mackenzie, John Cassavetes, Shirley Clarke, Andy Warhol, Mike and George Kuchar, Monte Hellman, Barbara Kopple, Charles Burnett, Billy Woodberry, Julie Dash, Steven Soderbergh, Wayne Wang, Jim Jarmusch, Richard Linklater, Todd Haynes, Paul Thomas Anderson, David Lynch, Ramin Bahrani, Lance Hammer, David Gordon Green, Ilisa Barbash & Lucien Castaing-Taylor, and Kelly Reichardt, among others. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA FILM |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: FILM307 |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (FILM-MN)(FILM) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Required Texts:
Yvonne Tasker, FIFTY CONTEMPORARY FILM DIRECTORS
Yannis Tzioumakis, AMERICAN INDEPENDENT CINEMA
Reading Packet (available on course Moodle)
Recommended Texts:
John Berra, DECLARATIONS OF INDEPENDENCE
Geoff King, AMERICAN INDEPENDENT CINEMA
King/Molloy/Tzioumakis, AMERICAN INDEPENDENT CINEMA: INDIE, INDIEWOOD AND BEYOND
Mike Newman, INDIE: AN AMERICAN FILM CULTURE
Yannis Tzioumakis, HOLLYWOOD'S INDIES: CLASSICS DIVISIONS, SPECIALTY LABELS AND AMERICAN INDEPENDENT CINEMA
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Examinations and Assignments:
Assessment in the class will be based on attendance and participation in discussion, in-class exercises, a group oral presentation, and two papers (the first one 7-8p., the second one 8-10p.). |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Attendance at all screenings and classes is mandatory. Students interested in the course should contact the professor ASAP during the spring semester and submit an electronic POI request. |
| Instructor(s): Dombrowski,Lisa A. Times: .M.W... 01:00PM-02:30PM; Location: CFS100; |
Permission of Instructor Required
Enrollment capacity: 12 | Permission of instructor approval will be granted by the instructor during pre-registration through the Electronic Portfolio. Click "Add to My Courses" and "To request a POI electronically, click here" to submit your request. |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 11 | 1st Ranked: 2 | 2nd Ranked: 3 | 3rd Ranked: 3 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 3 |
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