TOPICS: THE FRENCH NEW WAVE: FIGURES AND LEGACY in Fall 2024 (FR3091B)

This course delves into the emergence of a new generation of French directors who embarked on their cinematic journeys in the late fifties. We will explore the seminal "auteur theory" as articulated by François Truffaut and examine the provocative stances taken by these burgeoning critics in the renowned pages of "Cahiers du cinéma".

Moreover, the course aims to illuminate the enduring legacy of the French New Wave, highlighting its profound impact on the values and aesthetics of cinema worldwide. We will scrutinize how the New Wave fundamentally challenged traditional hierarchies within the filmmaking process, redefining the roles of producers, directors, editors, screenwriters, and actors while pioneering innovative modes of production. We will critically examine how New Wave directors often depicted women and explore the ongoing discourse surrounding gender representation in their works.

Significantly, our analysis will extend beyond the pioneering figures of the New Wave to encompass more recent directors who have been inspired by its spirit of experimentation and rebellion. We will assess how contemporary filmmakers continue to draw from the New Wave's ethos, reshaping cinematic conventions and pushing artistic boundaries in new and unexpected ways.

Throughout the course, special emphasis will be placed on the close examination and discussion of one film per week. We will dissect these films to uncover the myriad techniques and devices—such as long shots, close-ups, disjunction of picture and sound, and editing strategies—that contribute to a film's narrative, meaning, and tone.

Instruction will be conducted in French, and all films will be screened in their original French language. While students have the option to write their midterm and final exams in either French or English, research papers must be submitted in French, with the provision of an English version for those who desire it.