107-270 The 1950s: Film, Perfection & Propaganda

Usually 12.5 points of first year cinema studies.

This subject will focus on the decade of the 1950s as a radical turning point in cinematic history. Considering the integral relationship that exists between the film product and society, attention will turn to key historical, economic and technological factors that affected the formal and aesthetic properties of the cinema. The darker side of 1950s Hollywood will be investigated by looking at the restructuring of the studio structure, the effect of McCarthyism, the HUAC hearings and the silencing of 'dissenting' voices. Themes and theoretical issues will include: cold war propaganda; gender, race, class and ethnicity; consumerism; ideology; the establishment of a critical and theoretical film culture. Emphasis will also be placed on the popularity of television, the shift to suburbia and the impact on film viewing and production; the rise of a new leisure culture and audience concerns with the more active experiences offered by new immersive, surround sound and widescreen film technologies such as Cinerama, Cinemascope and 3D, and by new spectacle genres; the redefinition of the star system; the popularity of Walt Disney, the birth of the film-themed park, and the beginnings of conglomeration; the influence of Hollywood B-film production and the resurgence of interest in experimental film production; the impact on and the impact of European and Japanese cinemas.

• be skilled in critical thinking and analysis;

• possess effective written communication skills;

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

A 1500 word tutorial paper 40% (due during the semester), and a 2500 word essay 60% (due during the examination period).

A subject reader will be available.