Studies in Literature and Film (386-0-20)
Topic
Film Review as Genre
Instructors
Nicholas K Davis
847/491-3433
1897 Sheridan, Uh 215, Evanston, IL 60208
Meeting Info
Parkes Hall 213: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM
Overview of class
How have film reviews and criticism evolved in the U.S. as cinema has evolved? What do film reviewers want, and what criteria do they imply not only for the movies they critique but for the prose, the logic, and the details they enlist to convey that analysis? Setting aside stars and thumbs and rotten tomatoes, we will engage with the literary, rhetorical, and stylistic aspects of film reviews as pieces of writing with their own history. This means considering how strong reviews require the same foundations as other expository essays (structure, argument, economy, evidence) but with specific and highly diverse relations to their readers, their venues, and their points of view. As an opportunity to bridge the "critical" and "creative" facets of literary study, participants in this course will study and write about film reviews by a host of crucial figures (including Manny Farber, Parker Tyler, Andrew Sarris, Jonas Mekas, Pauline Kael, James Baldwin, Robin Wood, bell hooks, Roger Ebert, Wesley Morris, Justin Chang, and Angelica Jade Bastién) and will also write and revise their own reviews in response to a wide range of required as well as self-appointed viewings. Neither the films nor the reviews will be taken lightly, and the course expects students who are committed and ambitious—but wit, style, and esteem for the "popular" are warmly welcomed.
Teaching Method
Seminar discussions, mini-lectures, occasional guests speakers or local site visits.
Evaluation Method
Written reviews and essays, course participation
Class Materials (Required)
Films up for collective discussion are likely to include Hollywood classics (Double Indemnity, The Misfits), midcentury prompts to influential reviews (Bonnie and Clyde, 2001, Lady Sings the Blues), cultural watersheds in late 90s and early 00s cinema (Pulp Fiction, The Fast and the Furious, Brokeback Mountain), and a sampling of recent films that dazzled or split reviewers. Students may also have an opportunity to visit a local film festival and test their skills against work most of the world hasn't yet seen.
Texts will be available at: All readings and screenings will be available on Canvas or on the internet. Aside from possible film festival tickets, there are no required purchases.
Class Attributes
Advanced Expression
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area