21G.052 | Spring 2015 | Undergraduate

French Film Classics

Course Description

This course covers the history and aesthetics of French cinema from the advent of sound to present-day. It treats films in the context of technical processes, the art of narration, directorial style, role of the scriptwriter, the development of schools and movements, the impact of political events and ideologies, and …

This course covers the history and aesthetics of French cinema from the advent of sound to present-day. It treats films in the context of technical processes, the art of narration, directorial style, role of the scriptwriter, the development of schools and movements, the impact of political events and ideologies, and the relation between French and other national cinemas.

Taught in English, the films are screened with English subtitles. Students may complete written assignments in French.

Course Info

Learning Resource Types
Written Assignments
Presentation Assignments
Film still: Onstage in a theater, a live tableau including a mime, a harlequin playing guitar, and Aphrodite in a public garden.
One of the greatest French films of all time, Les enfants du paradis was filmed during the Nazi occupation of Paris. Director Marcel Carné and screenwriter Jacques Prévert created an homage to French theatrical tradition, commenting on the nature of love, relationships, freedom and responsibility, with interwoven symbolic narratives of occupation and resistance. (Screen shot courtesy of Francois R. Caron on Flickr. License: CC BY-NC.)
MIT Open Learning
Over 2,500 courses & materials
Freely sharing knowledge with learners and educators around the world. Learn more
© 2001–2024 Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Accessibility
Creative Commons License
Terms and Conditions
Proud member of:
© 2001–2024 Massachusetts Institute of Technology