Film Style, Criticism and Interpretation

Module description

'Close textual analysis' features in a wide variety of work within film studies but some scholarship defines itself precisely by its attempt to closely capture a film's (or a group of films') style. 'Close analysis', 'interpretation', 'style-based criticism', 'expressive criticism', 'criticism' more broadly, along with attendant issues of 'value'; these are all terms, concepts and approaches whose role and status have been much debated and often contested since film became an object of serious and academic study. The module extends upon the work students have done previously (and begun with 'Introduction to Film Studies: Forms') by pushing skills of textual analysis to a more advanced level. However, the module is at least equally a 'meta-critical' reflection on the methodologies for close analysis themselves and their often-competing claims for how best to understand film style. We will here consider also the broader politics of criticism as a practice and the criteria of value that it commonly promotes. The focus may in large part be classical Hollywood because we are engaging specifically with the film studies canon and the associated canonical criticism. The module is concerned with the close 'reading' of film but our objects of close analysis will equally be writing on film. How have a range of writers demonstrated and/or reflected on the ability to capture the details of one medium (film) in the form of another (prose)? With this challenge in mind, the module will also engage with the field of "videographic criticism" and perhaps also other related forms of digital film criticism and capture, asking what is gained (and possibly lost) with 'new media' approaches? While criticism in moving image form is 'naturally' closer to its object of study, is it capable of a level of depth comparable to the best prose criticism and analysis? How have digital technologies re-imagined the critical "encounter" with film?

Assessment details

• Seminar/Workshop Participation 10%
• Essay (1500 words) Or Video Essay (max. 3 mins) & Critical Reflection 30%
• Essay (2500 words) Or Video Essay (Max. 5 minutes) & Critical Reflection 60%

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable and practicable skills appropriate to a Level 6 module and in particular will be able to:

• Demonstrate a systematic understanding of a range of ways interpretation has been practised and defined within film studies and situate these debates in relation to other fields (e.g. English literature).
• Articulate more sophisticated arguments about value in relation to specific films and/or filmmakers.
• Effectively examine, discuss and synthesise relationships between different methodologies of textual analysis and confidently articulate claims about the values of different approaches.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the way academic film criticism is developing in the light of new digital forms and, particularly, in relation to videographic practice, as well as articulate compelling speculations about how the practice might develop.
• Be encouraged to develop and enhance their own skills of videographic criticism through the use of non-linear video editing software.
• Act with autonomy and minimal supervision to devise their own investigations into particular practices of critical analysis and their applicability to particular film texts.

Teaching pattern

Ten one hour lectures, ten one hour seminars and ten two hour screenings.

Module description disclaimer

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Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.