OCTOBER 31
Films:
I Was Born, But… (Ozu 1932) DVD 2857
A Page of Madness (Kinugasa 1926) personal DVD Mairs
Reading (to be done by November 6):
Donald Richie, “Yasujiro Ozu,”in the course reader.
Thom Andersen, Ozu Yasujirô: the Master of Time.
Jasper Sharp and Mariann Lewinsky, A Page of Madness.
Paper topic (paper due November 7, via email to elkrugamigos@earthlink.net):
FINAL RESEARCH PAPER PROPOSAL
One paragraph summary of what you will write about in your final paper. The parameters are described below. I want to see your ideas so I can steer you in the direction of films and books to investigate.
This is not a contract; you are not bound to do the work you propose. BUT…if you change topics, you need to submit another proposal!
FINAL RESEARCH PAPER
Due: December 14
Undergraduates: 8-10 pages
Graduates: 15-20 pages
You are to write your paper about any film or filmmaker from the period covered in the class (1895 to 1948). I expect specific reference to at least four films and one substantial critical text. (Wikipedia does not count: go to the library!) You are to develop a specific, original argument about the work.
As an example, let’s say you’re interested in dance and decide to research the ‘30’s Hollywood musical. After watching a few, you find yourself particularly intrigued by Fred Astaire, and you decide to write an analysis of Follow the Fleet. I would expect you to watch and reference at least three other films, and to investigate and make reference to the critical literature (Arlene Croce, for instance, or Rick Altman). You can approach the films you discuss however you like, but you need to give evidence of research.
Ideally, your final paper should evolve from your own creative work, whether or not you are a filmmaker. I encourage papers that attempt to find common ground between métiers, to find means of approaching film from the perspective of theater, dance, fine art, music or literature.
Here are examples: if you are a graphic designer, you might find it useful to research set design or to do a close analysis of a particular director’s compositional strategies. A musician might consider looking at the use of musical structuring devices in the editing of a particular film. The possibilities are endless and I encourage you to find a subject that will push you into useful, unexpected realms in your own artistic practice.
Whatever your topic, I expect you to carry through the lessons of the assignments thus far. Your writing must be cogent, lucid and direct. You are to speak specifically and with direct reference to the actual films in making your argument.
I do not want, and will not accept, vague, grand arguments about the general nature of a filmmaker’s style or unsubstantiated sociopolitical arguments. The more specific and focused your subject, the better your paper will be.
