Rise of the Blockbuster

Catalog description

The term "blockbuster" has been a part of the American film industry for over sixty years, but, like "pornography," it's extremely difficult to define from a critical standpoint. For most of the viewing public the "we know it when we see it" definition seems to suffice. In an academic sense, however, such vagueness is problematic. This course will explore the idea of the "blockbuster" over time and across cultural boundaries. What is the origin of the concept? What is the structural impact of the "blockbuster" on the film industry? How does the meaning of the term change from genre to genre? Is it a genre in and of itself? How does a "blockbuster" reinforce our cultural conceptions? How might the concept change in the future? What does all of this tell us about ourselves? This course will draw examples from across the history of film in order to develop a holistic understanding of what the term might encompass from a variety of perspectives. By thoroughly discussing a wide selection of texts we will be able to better understand the ways in which the "blockbuster" has influenced the film industry, how the concept has both manifested itself and changed over time, and how it has shaped our cultural perspectives. Please note: Freshmen are prohibited from registering for this course. Sophomores must obtain instructor permission. Prerequisite: 76-101