The City in Film

Catalog description

This course explores the portrayal of urban life in popular film, examining cityscapes through lenses such as city planning, politics, and architecture. Films have long influenced public perceptions of urban environments, reflecting evolving societal attitudes. In this course students will explore key questions such as: How has the image of the city in film changed over time? What major urban issues have filmmakers addressed? How does the art of film (including casting, lighting, scenery/sets, soundtracks, etc.) lend itself to conveying a message to viewers about cities? With technological advances in filmmaking, what possibilities are there for portraying cities of the past, present and future in popular movies? Through readings, screenings, reflections, and assignments, students gain insight into the depiction of cities through film.