107-087 Contemporary Australian Cinema

Usually 12.5 points of first-year cinema studies, see Prerequisites.

This subject explores the relationship between national identity and international film culture and specifically questions how filmic structures operate in Australian cinema to produce identities which have both local and international resonance. Students will examine the success of films such as Crocodile Dundee and Mad Max within the context of mass culture; The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Dallas Doll, and The Sum of Us within the context of queer theory; Romper Stomper within a context of teen films; and Strictly Ballroom within questions of multiculturalism and ethnicity. The representation of race will form an additional focus of study. The films of Australian directors working in Hollywood such as Gillian Armstrong and Baz Luhrman will also form an area of study.

• be skilled in critical thinking and analysis;

• possess effective written communication skills;

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

A 2000 word tutorial paper 40%(due during semester) and a 3000 word essay 60% (due during the examination period).

A subject reader will be available.