Film Studies
Italian cinema: from Neorealism to the genre film
An introductory, face-to-face study of Italian cinema from Neorealism through commedia all’italiana and crime and horror genres.
Choose a date before booking
Upcoming classes
1 class
About this course
The course examines Italian cinema between 1945 and 1980, considering how movements, directors and genres developed during a period of social and political change. Topics include post-war Neorealism, Luchino Visconti’s work, commedia all’italiana and the poliziotteschi crime-film subgenre, alongside Italian genre cinema more broadly. Teaching combines presentations, film clips and class discussion. Film-analysis concepts such as editing and mise-en-scène are introduced as they arise, helping participants approach the films and extracts studied in class.
What you'll learn
- Identify major movements and trends in Italian cinema between 1945 and 1980
- Recognise the contribution of influential directors including Luchino Visconti and Pietro Germi
- Explain how social and political changes affected the Italian film industry
- Distinguish key features of Neorealism, commedia all’italiana and the poliziotteschi crime-film subgenre
Is this course right for you?
This introductory course is intended for learners with no previous knowledge of Italian cinema or film studies. It suits those willing to examine film clips and extracts, learn basic analytical terminology and contribute to class discussions.
- Film-analysis terms are introduced during the course rather than assumed in advance
- Sessions include discussion as well as presentations and viewing material
Before you go
- Reading materials and viewing materials are provided.