Film Studies
London on Film
A film studies course examining how cinema has depicted London, shaped perceptions of the city and reflected its changing social history, for all levels.
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Upcoming classes
1 class
About this course
The course traces London’s screen history from early actuality films to contemporary cinema, considering how landmarks, neighbourhoods and communities have been represented across different genres. It examines themes including spectacular, gentrified, multicultural and contemporary London, using films such as Mary Poppins, The Long Good Friday, My Beautiful Laundrette, Rocks and Rye Lane as case studies. Teaching combines presentations, extended film clips and class discussion. Sessions consider the relationship between cinematic representation and issues including tourism, gentrification, deurbanisation and the film industry’s role in shaping ideas of London.
What you'll learn
- Trace key cycles and genres in the history of London’s depiction on film.
- Examine how cinematic representations of a city can have consequences in real life.
- Critically assess creative choices in the organisation and representation of London’s spaces and places onscreen.
Is this course right for you?
The course is intended for anyone interested in film history or London’s history, and no specialist knowledge is identified as necessary. Participation involves viewing film extracts, following presentations and contributing to class discussions.
- Suitable for learners interested in either film history or the history of London.
- Includes extended film viewing alongside discussion rather than practical filmmaking.
Before you go
- Participants should bring a pen and paper or a laptop/device for taking notes.
- Handouts and other course materials are provided.
- Film extracts are shown during the course, so participants do not need to obtain the films.