Postwar American Independent Cinema
FILM 348
Spring 2023
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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 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. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA FILM |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: FILM304 OR 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
Recommended Texts:
Yvonne Tasker, Fifty Contemporary Film Directors
Yannis Tzioumakis, American Independent Cinema
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Examinations and Assignments:
Assessment in the class will be based on an analytical paper, a group oral presentation, a research project, and participation. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Class screenings will be held Sunday and Tuesday evening from 7:15p-10:15p in Art Workshop. Attendance at all screenings and classes is mandatory.
Students interested in the course should contact the professor ASAP during the fall semester and submit an electronic POI request. |
| Instructor(s): Dombrowski,Lisa A. Times: .M.W... 01:20PM-02:40PM; Location: CFS124; |
Permission of Instructor Required
Enrollment capacity: 19 | 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: 3 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 3 |
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