Film Studies
Masters of Cinema: Alexander Mackendrick
An introductory film studies course examining Alexander Mackendrick’s career, directing methods and selected films through presentations, screenings and discussion.
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Upcoming classes
1 class
About this course
The course places Alexander Mackendrick’s filmmaking within his work at the Ministry of Information, Ealing Studios and Hollywood, alongside his background in art, advertising, documentary and storyboard editing. It considers his storytelling and directing techniques, with particular attention to The Ladykillers and Sweet Smell of Success, and briefly addresses his later role at the California Institute of the Arts. Teaching combines tutor presentations, screenings of film extracts, textual analysis and group discussion. The course also considers Mackendrick’s wider place in cinema and uses his work to develop film analysis and interpretation.
What you'll learn
- Describe key stages in Alexander Mackendrick’s career and filmmaking practice
- Analyse storytelling and directing techniques in selected Mackendrick films
- Interpret film extracts using textual and visual analysis
- Relate Mackendrick’s work to broader film knowledge and cinema history
Is this course right for you?
This introductory course is intended for learners with an interest in viewing and discussing film. It does not assume previous study or reading, and combines presentation-based teaching with screenings, analysis and general discussion.
- No previous film studies study or reading is assumed
- Suitable for learners who enjoy discussing films
- Includes screenings alongside analytical discussion
Before you go
- Bring paper and pen, or a tablet or laptop for note-taking.
- Support materials are provided.