Directing with Nicholas Ray and Robert Bresson
FILM 461
Fall 2025
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01
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This is a hybrid studies/production course taught by a filmmaker that looks at two iconic filmmakers to learn what directing is beyond talking to the actors. What is it we are directing when we pick up a camera or making a cut? Nicholas Ray and Robert Bresson are two artists who had opposite cinematic approaches to express their deep spiritual struggles. We are going to compare these two seekers as a way to deepen our understanding of film style. Assignments will be screenplays, storyboards, and other pre-production material for your own films. The last section will look at five modern filmmakers influenced by Ray and Bresson to focus on incorporating their influence into your own work. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA FILM |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: FILM307 AND FILM304 |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (Film Studies Minor)(Film Studies) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
-Screenings by Nicholas Ray including:
BITTER VICTORY, ON DANGEROUS GROUND, SAVAGE INNOCENTS, THEY LIVE BY NIGHT.
-Screenings by Robert Bresson including:
PICKPOCKET, A MAN ESCAPED, MOUCHETTE, THE TRIAL OF JOAN OF ARC
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Examinations and Assignments:
-One 3-5 page screenplay with storyboards and lookbook
-One 12 page screenplay with storyboards and lookbook
-Lead a discussion on a film. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
This course does not accept unexcused absences and does not accept late work. All absences must be cleared before the beginning of class. Excused absences equal family emergency, illness, or religious holiday..
POI INSTRUCTIONS: Submit the following items as your application to scollins@wesleyan.edu by the last Thursday of pre-registration. Optional: come to my office hours to introduce yourself.
- Year (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, etc..)
- Major or intended major
- Film classes already taken
- Intended thesis (if any)
- Career interest after school
- Creative sample (preferably screenplay or film, but could be anything)
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| Instructor(s): Collins,Stephen Times: ..T.R.. 01:20PM-04:40PM; Location: TBA |
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: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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