CHID 496E Syllabus

THE AESTHETICS OF ATYPICAL CLASSIC PERIOD FILM NOIR

This focus group is intended to be a discussion-intensive investigation of peculiar examples of film noir from roughly a ten year section (1945-1956) of its classic period. The focus will be on aesthetics and film technique, this means we will examine how the films "work," deconstructing them to see how all a film's various components (editing, acting, cinematography, music, narrative etc.) culminate in the film's final effect or, in some cases, statement.
The unifying trait of this eclectic assortment of films is crime and its engendered violence. We'll explore the significance of this by examining the varying aesthetic representations of crime and violence in these films. Where applicable, we will also look at where crime and violence intersect with morality, fate, genre, gender and social issues on a film to film basis.
There are accompanying readings for each film which I will email to the class each week. These readings range from articles and interviews from the some of the directors we'll be viewing as well as criticism discussing the films and issues of this focus group.
To receive credit, it is imperative you attend all meetings and participate in discussions as that is the most important aspect of this group. Furthermore, to receive credit, at least two substantial and thoughtful questions/comments based on the readings will be turned in at each meeting. These questions should be used to aid class discussions to maximize our limited time.

Any questions or concerns, please email me: guitfiddler5000@gmail.com

Schedule:

Week 1
Detour - 1945 - Directed by Edgar G. Ulmer - 67 minutes
Discuss: Detour

Week 2
The Hitch-hiker - 1953 - Directed by Ida Lupino - 73 minutes
Reading: “Notes on Film Noir” - Paul Schrader; "Ulmer and the Noir Femme Fatale" - Alena Smieskova; "Ida Lupino" by Ally Acker from Reel Women
Discuss: Detour and The Hitch-hiker

Week 3
Gun Crazy - 1950 - Directed by Joseph H. Lewis - 86 minutes
Reading: "Film Noir and the American Dream: the Dark Side of Enlightenment" - Ken Hillis

Week 4
Scarlet Street - 1945 - Directed by Fritz Lang - 103 minutes
Reading: "The Freedom of the Screen" - Fritz Lang
Discuss: Scarlet Street and Gun Crazy

Week 5
The Big Heat - 1953 - Directed by Fritz Lang - 89 minutes
Reading: "Inter-Office Memo"; "An Aesthetics of Crime" - Stephen Brauer
Discuss: Scarlet Street and The Big Heat

Week 6
Pickup on South Street - 1953 - Directed by Samuel Fuller - 80 minutes
Reading: "Don't Wave the Flag at Me" - Samuel Fuller from The Third Face; "About Film Noir" Samuel Fuller interview
Discuss: Pickup on South Street and The Big Heat

Week 7
Night and the City - 1950 - Directed by Jules Dassin - 96 minutes
Reading: "Night and the City: In the Labyrinth" - Paul Arthur
Discuss: Night and the City

Week 8
Rififi - 1955 - Directed by Jules Dassin - 122 minutes
Reading: TBA
Watch interview with Jules Dassin
Discuss: Rififi and Night and the City

Week 9
Bob le Flambeur - 1956 - Directed by Jean-Pierre Melville - 98 minutes
Reading: "The Silences of Jean-Pierre Melville" - Ronald Paulson
Discuss: Rififi and Bob le Flambeur

Week 10
TBA