Department of English

Instead of studying the historical development of narrative cinema in Hollywood, this course will examine two genres in depth: film noir and screwball comedies. Although Hollywood first introduced these two types of films early in the twentieth century, film studies continue to favor these two genres. The noir films will include Citizen Kane, Double Indemnity, Body Heat, The Last Seduction, Out of the Past, Mildred Pierce, The Killing, and Sunset Boulevard. The selection of screwball comedies will depend on availability. The course will investigate the aesthetics of film form as well as themes peculiar to these genres. Because an understanding of these genres requires students to see as many examples as possible, the course includes mandatory screenings of one or two films weekly. Readings will include novels and critical works.