Vladimir Lenin characterized film as “the most important of the arts” for the fledgling Soviet state. Film has played a crucial role in documenting and shaping Russia's Soviet and post-Soviet experience. This course will begin by exploring early Soviet masters of montage (Vertov, Eisenstein, and Pudovkin) and the impact of their revolutionary ideas on world cinema. We will study visionaries of the long take (Tarkovsky, Parajanov, and Sokurov) who later enchanted audiences with a more meditative cinematic sensibility. Along the way, we will consider masterpieces by such filmmakers as the brothers Vasiliev, Kalatozov, Khutsiev, Sheptiko, Mamin, Mikhalkov, Muratova, German, and Zviagintsev. Students will deepen their knowledge of Russian history, from the October Revolution to modern-day Russia, and develop a foundation in film theory and analysis.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 30

Prerequisites: None.

Instructor: Weiner

Distribution Requirements: ARS - Visual Arts, Music, Theater, Film and Video

Typical Periods Offered: Every four years

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered

Notes: