Topics in Film/Video/Audio Production (379-0-21)

Topic

Weird Horror Workshop

Instructors

Spencer Parsons

Meeting Info

Louis Hall 118: Tues 3:00PM - 5:50PM
Louis Hall 118: Thurs 3:00PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

This production course uses the tradition of Weird (or Cosmic) horror cinema and literature as a means of developing aesthetic strategies in media making. Embracing surrealism, mysticism and narratives of competing cultural realities, weird horror stories evoke the terror and hilarity of our confrontations with the unknown, as in works by such artists as David Cronenberg (Videodrome), Andrzej Żuławski (Possession), Daphne Du Maurier (The Birds, Don't Look Now), and Bill Gunn (Ganja and Hess). Through exercises and short films, students will consider and execute their own ideas for conveying emotion through audiovisual tools, with a focus on terror, horror, black comedy and the eerie.

Learning Objectives

Students will articulate and develop understanding of aesthetic strategies through class discussion/critique and presentations to the class, in response to films and clips
assigned for viewing, as well as responding to one another's work. Students' ability to synthesize this material into technical execution of cinematic narrative will be demonstrated and evaluated through presentation and critique of production exercises and a final short film. Students will be expected to articulate and defend the ethical dimensions of their cinematic storytelling.

Class Materials (Required)

All readings and audio material will be provided for free on canvas, with free viewings in class and available via course reserves

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: REASON: Pre-registration is not allowed for this class. Please try again during regular registration.