FSTD 465
Spring 2010
Dr. Pautrot, Ritter 339
Tel. 2456, e-mail pautropj@slu.edu
Indigènes (Bouchared, 2006) Entre les murs (Cantet, 2008) Delicatessen (Jeunet & Caro, 1991)
FRENCH CINEMA II:
1980 to the Present
(3 hrs) WF 2:10-4:10pm
Course objective:
To develop a thorough knowledge of French cinematic production from the 1980s to the present,
and to reach an understanding of the issues at stake in these films. To be able to position these issues
against the general background of French history and of the history of Western thought.
Text:
Austin, Guy. Contemporary French Cinema. New York: Manchester U Press, 2008 (2nd edition).
(to be complemented by handouts)
Course outline:
This course is in complement of FR A-461/561 "French Cinema". It examines new developments in
French cinema from the 1980s to the present, in the light of French cinematographic tradition, and
provides analytical tools to understand such developments.
New genres examined include: postmodern parodic narratives, dark satire, heritage films, memory
narratives, films by women directors, films by immigrant directors, postmodern fantsy and science
fiction films, representations of sexuality, the new documentary.
Critical interpretive tools include evaluating the impact of the following factors on films of the
examined period: the French Nouvelle Vague of the 1960s, American Cinema (mainstream and
independent), foreign directors from Eastern Europe and Africa, postmodern issues in identities,
postmodern novel and narrative, as well as political, philosophical and ethical issues.
Of particular interest will be the re-examination, by this cinema, of the philosophical heritage of the
French Enlightenment.
Course requirements:
mid-term and final exam, oral presentations, (undergrad)
Weekly discussions on the films viewed
Presentations
Grade:
Discussions & Presentations
Midterm take-home
Final take-home
Class Participation (including attendance)
Undergraduates
25%
25%
25%
25%