The
films of Polish director Kryzystof Kieslowski (Dekalog,
The Double Life of Veronique, Red, White,
Blue), of Danish-born Lars von Trier (Zentropa,
Breaking the Waves, The Idiots, Dancer in
the Dark, Dogville), and of German filmmaker Tom Tykwer
(Winter Sleepers, Run, Lola, Run, The Princess
and the Warrior, Heaven) have fundamentally reshaped
the landscape of European cinema since the early 1990s. Although
their films differ
significantly in terms of their style and narrative focus, they
all raise intriguing questions about the nature of time and history,
the role of chance and identity,
and the process of filmmaking itself. Moreover, the work of all
three directors urges us to rethink the role of European cinema
in an era of international co-productions and transnational orientations.
This seminar is designed to explore and compare the work of Kieslowski,
von Trier, and Tykwer. It will closely examine their most important
films, situate their work in historical and film historical contexts,
and discuss their concerns with questions of history, human existence,
and cinematic representation.
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Since this course will be conducted in a seminar fashion, discussion
and participation will be crucial. Ideally, the final paper will incorporate
re-written versions of the first two papers.
- Participation, attendance, homework: 30%
- First Paper (2-3 pages): 20%
- Second Paper (2-3 pages): 20%
- Final Paper (8-10 pages): 30%
Materials
marked "ERES" in the course schedule are availabe from
the Electronic
Reserve System at Washington University. Login and password
to be announced in class.
All other books available for purchase at the Washington University
Bookstore:
- Bordwell, David, and Kristin Thompson. Film Art: An Introduction.
6th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001. ISBN: 0072317256. (Recommended)
- Insdorf, Annette. Double lives, second chances: The cinema
of Krzysztof Kieslowski. New York : Miramax Books, 1999.
ISBN: 0786865628.
- Stevenson, Jack. Lars von Trier. London: British Film
Institute, 2002. ISBN: 851709036.
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The major assignments will be given well enough in advance for
you to plan your schedules accordingly. All major assignments must
be completed in order to pass this course. "Incomplete"
grades and extensions are not available without documented evidence
of extraordinary hardships (e.g., medical problems).
You should regard the film screenings as required texts. You must
write a brief online
screening report within 24 hours after the screening.
Readings must be completed prior to class. The amount of reading
is heavier some weeks than others, so please plan accordingly.
All films to be discussed during the semester are available in
multiple copies for additional viewing at Olin Library's Audio/Visual
Reserve Desk. The tapes and dvds are on 2 hour reserve.
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