This module's main theme is the textual analysis of films to find meanings or values inherent in them. You will be trained in the basic skills of conducting close criticism. You will explore, in particular, the implications of scrutinising the mise-en-scene and editing aspects of one or more films in order to interpret meanings. You will become fluent in the shorthand and terminology of film form for analysing film "texts". Specific formal characteristics of cinematography, editing, acting performance, and sound design will be concentrated on in developing your analytical skills for interpreting meaning in films. Finally, the module introduces you to the notion of using close criticism and interpretation to enter into theoretical discussions concerning a film's "value" by concentrating on one specific critical debate: that of 'the auteur theory'.

You will select an extract from a narrative feature film of your choice. The extract should be either between two or three minutes' duration or between ten to fifteen shots in length. First, you will write a brief introduction (100 words approx), describing the reasons(s) for your choice. Second, you will conduct a detailed short breakdown (1000 words approx), following a supplied template. Third, you will write a summative interpretation (1000 wods approx) of the extract, explaining how the cinematography, sound design, editing, and acting performance function to generate meaning and/or emotional affects.

Further specific details of the assessment will be provided in the module booklet.

The Film Theatre, including its surround sound system and high quality digital VHS/DVD projection facility.

Books
Andre Bazin: What is Cinema? (2 separate volumes) Berkeley: Univ of California Press 1967/1973
David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson: Film Art, 7th Edn. McGraw-Hill 2003
Pam Cook (ed.): The Cinema Book, 2nd Edn. London: BFI 2000
Susan Hayward: Key Concepts in Cinema Studies, 2nd Edn. London: Routledge 2000
V F Perkins: Film as Film, London: Penguin 1972
Robin Wood: Hitchcock's Films Revisited, London: Faber 1989
Screen, Glasgow: University of Glasgow Press
Sight and Sound, London: British Film Institute
www.staffs.ac.uk/cinema

The module will work on an alternating screening/tutor presentation and student-led workshop basis. The former will comprise of the tutor commencing student enquiry on each of the five areas of module content (see Indicative Content, above) via extracts and mini-presentations. The latter will comprise of a variety of student-led discussions, practical workshop activities, and mini-presentations, all of which are designed to assist peers in understanding the relevant issues.