Film Studies
Close up on Film: It's a Wonderful Life
A student-led close analysis of It's a Wonderful Life through an interrupted screening, discussion and examination of its aesthetic, thematic and historical dimensions.
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Upcoming classes
1 class
About this course
This Film Studies workshop examines It's a Wonderful Life in detail, moving between the complete film and selected scenes or sequences. The screening is regularly paused so participants can raise questions, test interpretations and discuss production history, meaning and creative choices. An experienced tutor introduces the film, guides the conversation and helps connect individual observations with broader analysis of its construction, themes, impact and reputation. The pace is shaped by the ideas and debates arising during the shared viewing.
What you'll learn
- Analyse how individual scenes and sequences contribute to the film’s construction
- Identify creative choices that shape the film’s emotional and thematic effects
- Discuss the film’s production history and cultural impact
- Evaluate the film’s legacy and reputation
Is this course right for you?
The workshop is intended for film students, casual cinephiles and people with a particular interest in this classic. It suits participants willing to contribute to collaborative discussion while the screening is paused. No prior technical knowledge is required, and watching the film at least once beforehand is recommended.
- Suitable for learners approaching film analysis without prior technical knowledge
- Participation centres on shared viewing, questions and discussion
- Previous viewing of the film is recommended, though it need not have been recent
Before you go
- There are no core course texts or additional costs.
- A notepad or other suitable way of taking notes may be useful in the screening room.