107-133 Introduction to Film Theory

This subject introduces students to the formal, stylistic and interpretative strategies of the moving image. Students will cover three interrelated areas: screen histories, screen styles and screen concepts - to generate a foundation of ideas about filmic time, space, narrative, architecture, genre, sound, movement, interactivity, spectatorship, meaning and experience. To scrutinise the gestures and attitudes of visual culture, the course will analyse examples from the history of Hollywood cinema, film art, political cinema, silent film, experimental film and other media.

• be skilled in critical thinking and analysis;

• possess effective written communication skills;

• have an understanding of social, ethical and cultural context.

A classpaper (during the semester), an essay and a take-home examination totalling 4000 words.

A subject reader will be available.

• B Creed, Pandora's Box: Essays in Film Theory. ACMI, 2004.