ART 337 Eroticism, Power & Fate in the Cinema of Central Europe

This course provides an overview of the cinematic traditions in Central Europe in historical and political context, with specific focus on the themes of eroticism, power, and fate in these films. This course examines a series of films from Central Europe (including present day Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia) from the silent era until the present day. Primary areas of focus are: the pre-WWII period, the various 'New Waves' of the 1960s and 1970s, and the developments after 1989. Beginning with the assumption that eroticism, power, and fate are somehow interrelated, the course addresses how each film approaches this thematic constellation and how cinematic treatment of these themes has developed over time and throughout the region. In this analysis, consideration is given to the broader social, political, economic, and cultural contexts (both nationally and between nations) in which the films were made as well as the impact of these films within "Central Europe." Since no previous experience in film studies is assumed, the first few sessions will also function as an introduction to reading and interpreting films. To this end the course reader is also supplemented with recommended texts that offer an overview of relevant aspects of film theory and analysis. Throughout the course we will also touch on various elements of film theory and modes of film analysis.