107-092 Postmodernism and the Cinema

Availability

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

see Prerequisites

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject will explore the relevance of postmodern theory for the cinema. In particular it will look at the problem of defining the postmodern: its heterogeneity and intertextuality; the dominant postmodern style of cinematic pastiche and parody; the postmodern critique of the master discourses of the western world as they affect film narrative; the relationship between the contemporary avant-garde in film and postmodernism, particularly the loss of distinction between the two; issues of film spectatorship, gender and race; and the various critiques of postmodernism. Various explanations as to the origins of postmodernism as well as the differences between poststructuralism ( as a critical theory of modernism) and postmodernism (as an historical discourse involving cultural, social and political issues) will be examined. The traditional advocacy of classic art over popular culture will form a central area for study. The above issues will also be discussed in relation to avant-garde film and video. The subject will explore the writings - in relation to postmodernism and film - of Jean Baudrillard, Umberto Eco, Fredric Jameson, Linda Hutcheon, Vivian Sobchack and Kobena Mercer.

Assessment

Written work which may comprise class papers, essays or a take-home exams totalling 5000 words.

Prescribed Texts

A course reader will be available

• P Brooker & W Brooker (eds), Postmodern After-Images. Arnold 1997.