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Italian Film: From Neorealism to Fellini (level 6)

Overview

Module description

In this module we will study and understand developments in Italian film from the post-war period onwards. The module will explore different strands and defining moments in Italian film-making. We will examine Italian Neorealism, studying films by the directors who epitomised that movement - Rossellini, De Sica and Visconti. We will then move on to study what is known as the Golden Age of Italian cinema, iconic films by Visconti, Antonioni and Fellini. The module will examine and study the relationship between these strands in Italian film-making and the political and cultural contexts in the post-war period from which they arose. We will also aim constantly to work towards an understanding of the forces that shaped Italian cinema up until the present day. We will develop skills in the analysis of film at thematic and stylistic levels and learn to understand and to apply theoretical and methodological approaches appropriate to the study of film in Italy.

All films studied will be in Italian with English subtitles.

Indicative module content

  • Discussion of Rossellini, Roma Città Aperta/Rome, Open City (1945)
  • Visconti, La Terra Trema/The Earth Trembles (1948)
  • De Sica, Umberto D./Umberto D. (1952) and discussion of Italian Neorealism
  • Visconti, Rocco e I Suoi Fratelli/Rocco and His Brothers (1960)
  • Antonioni, L’Avventura/ The Adventure (1960)
  • Antonioni, La Notte/The Night (1961)
  • Fellini, 8 ½ (1963)

Learning objectives

By the end of this module, you will:

  • have an understanding of developments in film history in post-war Italy
  • have gained relevant factual knowledge about the directors, films, contexts and issues under discussion
  • be able to evaluate films at a thematic and a stylistic level
  • understand a range of theoretical and methodological approaches (especially for the analysis of visual material such as film)
  • be able to work within these theoretical frameworks in the interpretation of films and contexts.