Postwar American Independent Cinema
FILM 348
Spring 2015
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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 different models of American independent feature filmmaking in use from the studio era to the present day. We will explore the various methods of production, distribution, and exhibition utilized 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 include films directed by Ida Lupino, Sam Fuller, Herbert Biberman, Dwane Esper, Roger Corman, Russ Meyer, Melvin Van Peebles, John Waters, Robert Frank, Morris Engel, John Cassavetes, Shirley Clarke, Andy Warhol, Mike and George Kuchar, Monte Hellman, Robert Altman, Barbara Kopple, Charles Burnett, Steven Soderbergh, the Coen brothers, Richard Linklater, Todd Haynes, Paul Thomas Anderson, Terrence Malick, David Lynch, David Gordon Green, and Kelly Reichardt, 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 AND FILM307) |
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Fulfills a Major Requirement for: (FILM-MN)(FILM) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Yannis Tzioumakis, AMERICAN INDEPENDENT CINEMA
Yvonne Tasker, FIFTY CONTEMPORARY FILM DIRECTORS
Reading Packet
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Examinations and Assignments:
Assessment in the class will be based on participation in discussion, in-class reading exercises, a group presentation, a research paper, and an analytical paper. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Attendance required. Students interested in the course should contact the professor ASAP during browsing period or earlier. Prerequisites will not be waived. |
| Instructor(s): Dombrowski,Lisa A. Times: ..T.R.. 01:10PM-04:30PM; Location: CFS100; |
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: 2 | 1st Ranked: 1 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 1 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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