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 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 and cultural relationship between independent films and mainstream filmmaking, focusing in particular on how independents have used film form, narrative, and content 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 and Ruth Orkin, John Cassavetes, Shirley Clarke, Maya Deren, Su Friedrich, Sadie Benning, Kenneth Anger, Andy Warhol, Mike and George Kuchar, Barbara Kopple, Julie Dash, Marlon Riggs, Charles Burnett, Wayne Wang, Jim Jarmusch, Chris Eyre, Todd Haynes, Ramin Bahrani, Kelly Reichardt, Aurora Guerrero, Joe Talbot, and Sean Baker, among others. |