Film Studies
Chris Marker: Film Essayist
An all-levels film studies course examining Chris Marker’s essay-films, artistic practice and political and cultural contexts through presentations, clips and discussion.
Choose a date before booking
Upcoming classes
1 class
About this course
The course traces Chris Marker’s work from his early writing and filmmaking through his political films and later experiments with new media. It examines the development of the cinematic essay alongside postwar French culture, the New Left, French auteur cinema, photography and multimedia art. Presentations, PowerPoint material, film clips and group discussion are used to analyse major works including La Jetée, A Grin Without a Cat and Sans soleil, as well as lesser-known films. Marker’s related work as a writer, photographer, book-designer and multimedia artist is also considered.
What you'll learn
- Assess the significance of Chris Marker’s work
- Describe and evaluate the form of the cinematic essay
- Analyse connections between cinema and politics in postwar French culture
- Explain key aspects of multimedia practice
Is this course right for you?
The course is suitable for learners at all levels, including those seeking an introduction to Chris Marker and those extending existing knowledge. No particular skills are required, although the course is intended for people with an enthusiasm for film and film discussion. Participation includes group discussion and viewing key films outside class.
- Useful both as an introduction and for learners building on existing film studies knowledge
- Group discussion is encouraged
Before you go
- Learners should bring a pen and paper or a laptop/device.
- Handouts and other course materials are provided.
- Film extracts are shown during the course, so learners do not need to obtain them.
- Key films are to be viewed in learners’ own time; additional films and reading may be suggested.