The Art & History of Film

Course Description

Film Syllabus coming soon

Why do we watch some movies over and over again? What do Star Wars and Barbie have in common? How does Hitchcock keep us on the edge of our seats? Find out as we look at the magic that makes a movie work.

In this high school-level intro to film class, students will gain a deeper understanding of how films work as they begin to look at cinema through a critical lens (just like they do with literature.) Through weekly discussion, journaling, and creative assignments, students will explore how elements like narrative structure, mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing, sound design, visual effects, and music help shape a film and impact an audience.

Students will learn the history of cinema, from early silent films to the blockbusters of today. They will identify the styles of different genres (such as the screwball comedy, western, and film noir) and learn how major film movements, studios, and directors influenced filmmakers today. Films will be studied from a cultural perspective, looking at the historical trends and events that influenced them and the ways those films impacted society.

Course Objectives

Through this course students will:

• Understand the key elements of film and their roles in conveying meaning and creating impact
• Identify literary concepts in film such as motifs, symbols, metaphors, theme, archetypes, allusions, and point of view
• Analyze the 3-act narrative structure of film as well as nonlinear storytelling styles
• Understand the filmmaking process from pre-production through production and post-production, as well as the various jobs required at each stage
• Identify key film movements and their characteristics, such as Hollywood’s Golden Age, German Expressionism, and the French New Wave
• Examine films as a reflection of the time and place that created them, evaluating how historical contexts and social concerns influenced film production
• Understand the impact of inventions and changes in motion picture technology and techniques, including how Hollywood’s studio system developed and has changed with the advent of home video, streaming, and indie filmmaking
• Understand auteur theory and its application in viewing the work of individual directors

Course Structure

Students will typically watch one film each week outside of class. Please make sure that you have access to the film before the scheduled viewing date.

Assignments will be a mix of journaling and discussion to develop students’ analytical skills as well as creative assignments where they’ll learn to think like a writer, director, editor, or designer. Creative assignments include writing a short scene, designing shots and storyboards, and practicing techniques to add sound to a scene.

Students will work together on at least two creative group presentations – a mock Oscar ceremony and a marketing campaign where they’ll strategize the best way to advertise an upcoming film.

Each semester students will research and create a presentation on a filmmaker, focusing on their style, influences, and significant films.

Who should enroll?

High school students in grades 10–12 who enjoy watching and discussing film. Previous film experience is not required. Mature 9th graders may be admitted with approval from the instructor.

Technology Requirements

Evaluation and Feedback

Since this class is focused on developing students’ appreciation of film and critical thinking skills, I believe that growth is as important as grades. Students will receive written feedback on all creative and writing assignments.

One of the best ways to develop analytic skills is through discussion. Students are encouraged to not only discuss the films watched in class but also at home. Questions to think about will be provided for each film and will form the basis of our discussion in class.

Any type of art is subjective. Students are expected to be respectful and supportive of their classmates at all times. Not everyone likes the same films or shares the same opinion — except that SpaceCamp is one of the most underrated films of the 80’s!

Communication

I’m always available for questions from both students and parents. I can be contacted through Canvas or via email at mamos[at]aimacademy.online.

Required Texts

There is no textbook for this class.

Tentative Film List (subject to change, however they will be finalized by May)

Note: While we won’t be watching them during the course, I will reference The Wizard of Oz, Star Wars, and The Hunger Games in detail (with spoilers) as we study narrative structure and The Hero’s Journey. Students should watch or be familiar with these films before the course begins.

First Semester:

1. Hugo (2011) Directed by Martin Scorsese
2. Purple Rose of Cairo (1985) Woody Allen
3. Barbie (2023) Directed by Greta Gerwig
4. Metropolis (1927) Directed by Fritz Lang
5. Edward Scissorhands (1990) Directed by Tim Burton
6. TBA
7. Citizen Kane (1941) Directed by Orson Welles
8. Hero (2002) Directed by Zhang Yimou
9. Gravity (2013) Directed by Alfonso Cuarón
10. Psycho (1960) Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
11. TBA
12. The Zone of Interest (2023) Directed by Jonathan Glazer
13. The Social Network (2010) Directed by David Fincher
14. Moulin Rouge (2001) Directed by Baz Luhrman

Second Semester

1. The Gold Rush (1925) Directed by Charlie Chaplin
2. Singin’ in the Rain (1952) Directed by Stanley Donen
3. Bringing Up Baby (1941) Directed by Howard Hawks
4. Casablanca (1942) Directed by Michael Curtiz
5. Sunset Boulevard (1950) Directed by Billy Wilder
6. The Searchers (1956) Directed by John Ford
7. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) Directed by Don Siegel
8.  Godzilla Minus One (2023) Directed by Takashi Yamazaki
9. Harold and Maude (1971) Directed by Hal Ashby
10. Jaws (1975) Directed by Steven Spielberg
11. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) — Dir. John Hughes
12. Forgotten Silver (1996) Directed by Peter Jackson
13. Edge of Tomorrow (2014) Directed by Doug Liman

** Note for Parents**

Please be aware that this is a high school film class; some films contain sensitive material such as language, violence, smoking, drinking, drug use, or sexuality. The films have been chosen to introduce students to a broad range of genres, directing styles, and unique use of the various film elements being studied. With the exception of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (which was originally released unrated) all films are rated PG and PG-13.

Parental guides for ratings and content in all films can be found on Common Sense Media and the Internet Movie Database at www.imdb.com. Please review those guides if you have concerns about any of the selected films.

I am happy to discuss film choices and any potentially sensitive content if there are concerns. If needed, up to 2 films can be replaced with an alternate film for individual students. Class discussion, however, will still focus on the scheduled film that the rest of the class has watched. An alternate assignment will be provided in lieu of discussion.

Students will need to watch each week’s film on their own outside of class and be prepared to discuss during the next class. All films are available online either through streaming services or to purchase or rent via Amazon or Apple TV. Films may also be available through the library or to stream using your library card and the Kanopy app.