Parallels between French and American cinema, and French contribution to developing film theory and criticism. Survey Renoir's career and some key associates (Vigo, Bazin). Analyze short clips from Grand Illusion and Boudu Saved From Drowning.

Shadow of a Doubt and Rear Window show how Hitchcock films can be considered a genre all their own. Main themes: divided self (good/evil, masculine/feminine), attractiveness of evil, nature of cinema entertainment, double plots (story & meta-story).

In this video, David Thorburn discusses themes that organize the course, including the power of movies, the work of genre, organic form, and artistic qualities, such as the multiplicity principle.

In this video, David Thorburn shares how "The Film Experience" differs from traditional film courses taught in cinema studies sequences in that he uses frameworks from television and literature to help students explore the genre.

In this video, David Thorburn discusses how technological advancementes over the past three decades have transformed and continue to transform students' experience in the course.

In this video, David Thorburn discusses factors he considers when thinking about how video lectures might be integrated into the teaching of the course.

In this video, David Thorburn discusses the value of lecture courses for undergraduate student and shares teaching strategies he's borrowed from other inspiring lecturers.

In this video, David Thorburn discusses how the study of film and literature enriches students' lives. He also shares that his course offers students an opportunity to appreciate the kind of artistic genius that is distinct from that of entrepreneurs.

In this video, David Thorburn shares his role at MIT and the story behind what inspired him to become a film scholar.

"Rules of the Game" demonstrates Renoir's camera technique. Discuss key actors (Von Stroheim, Gabin) and key themes including prison camp as microcosm, transcending barriers, effects of social class, Europe in transition.

A general account of De Sica’s career as an actor and director, and a close reading of his most famous film Bicycle Thieves.

Introduce the French New Wave style, with comparisons to Italian neorealism and Hollywood, and use of improvisation, jump cuts, elliptical editing, and self-reflexiveness. Focus on Truffaut and his key films, especially The 400 Blows.

Continue discussion of Charlie Chaplin, comparing his films to those of Buster Keaton. Examples: Keaton's Cops, Chaplin's The Gold Rush, City Lights, and particularly Modern Times.

The Western as a genre form, exemplifying Hollywood cinema's emergence as a central form of storytelling ("consensus narrative") for the founding myths of the United States. Films discussed: McCabe and Mrs. Miller.

A review and summary of the key themes of this course, such as consensus narrative, organic form, and the multiplicity principle.

Kurosawa's Rashomon demonstrates film's emergence as an international medium and fully-recognized art form. The lecture highlights connections to modernism and Japanese theater traditions, and summarizes the film's key stylistic and structural features.

Conclude discussion of the Western as genre form. The Western's role in movie house culture and Saturday matinees. Surveys key films and themes by decade, from silent films to today; overview of John Ford's career and preview of The Searchers.

Origins and historical context of Italian neorealism, with brief accounts of the major figures and artistic principles of the movement. Discuss the quality of “multiplicity,” a key attribute of all good films. Examples: Bicycle Thieves; Rome, Open City.

Continue the discussion of transformation and subversion in 1970s films, specifically as embodied in the work of director Robert Altman. Detailed preview of McCabe and Mrs. Miller, and consider High Noon as a baseline Western reference.

Dramatic changes in American film of the late 60s & early 70s linked with the period's turbulent social history, and with TV supplanting film as the medium for consensus narrative. Discuss Jack Nicholson/Five Easy Pieces; Altman's The Long Goodbye, MASH.

Emergence of Hollywood system of stars and genres, producing populist "aesthetics of connection" with the mass moviegoing audience. Three strains of comedy: anarchic, worldly, & screwball. View & discuss two screwball clips: The Lady Eve & Ball of Fire.

Compare and contrast the dance styles of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, and their contributions to the musical genre. Discuss in detail the films Singin' in the Rain (1952) and Cabaret (1972). The course theme of multiplicity in art and film returns.

Continue discussing film as a global cultural form through early German cinema. Establish key themes of German Expressionism, with paintings as a backdrop. View & discuss clips: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Metropolis, Nosferatu. Preview The Last Laugh.

Continue discussion of the Hollywood "Studio Era" of 1930s-1940s. Explore cultural implications of film as entertainment and as consensus narrative. Survey careers of Capra and Hawks, and preview their films It Happened One Night and His Girl Friday.