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.