Brief description
This module is intended for Single and Joint Honours students of Spanish. Its aim is to show how Spanish film directors have responded to crucial political and cultural changes within the country, especially during and after the transition from dictatorship to democracy. Within this context the changing role of women in Spanish society figures prominently. The selected films will also reveal the similarities and differences between teh respective directors, not only in terms of the concerns but also in relation to their use of the medium of film.

Films to be studied

Luis Bunuel, Viridiana
Carlos Saura, Cria cuervos
Victor Erice, El espiritu de la colmena
Pedro Almodovar, Tacones lejanos
Julio Medem, La ardilla roja
Imanol, Uribe. Dias contados

Syllabus:

Week 1 Introduction: Spanish Film and Society
Weeks 2-11 Two weeks allocated to the study of each film
Weeks 6,12 Term essay tutorials

Learning outcomes
Students will be able to relate the concerns of major Spanish film directors to their studies of other forms (the novel and the theatre in particular), as well as to see trends in Spanish cinema in the context of the social and political development. In addition, they will be able to appreciate the techniques of cinema and, one hopes, see other films in a new light.