Avant garde films from 1915-1940

The subject of this paper is the analysis of a filmmaker and one of his/her films. This paper should be no shorter than 5-7 full pages in length, written in a doublespaced, 12-pt font.

-This paper must have a clear, critical thesis that is supported throughout the body of the paper.

-Choose a filmmaker from the time periods looked at thus far in class. Students may select someone we have discussed in class, or pick someone mentioned in the Sitney book but not covered in lecture. Two artists that will be prohibited as subjects for this paper are Maya Deren and Salvador Dali.

-One film should be chosen as a focus.

-Discuss the filmmaker’s career, including background, colleagues and influence. Do this in the context of your thesis.

-Provide an analysis of the film as a way to talk about the filmmaker’s style, interests and techniques. Consider styles or artists whose work they may be reacting to or rejecting, and assert how such a relationship may be critically significant. Do this in the context of your thesis.

-At least two ideas from Benjamin and/or Greenberg, should be incorporated into the larger critical argument of the paper. Use citations. Do this in the context of your thesis.

-Ideas from sources should be cited within the paper. Paper must have a works cited page.

PLEASE HIGHLIGHT THE OPENING AND THESIS IN YELLOW THAT PART IS DUE APRIL 27TH but the whole paper is not due until later.