The Art of the Silent Cinema (FLM 01)

  • Day and time: Thursday 14:00 - 16:00
    Weekly
  • Length of course: 1 term. Autumn (10 Weeks)
  • Number of places: 7
  • Start date: 12 October 2017
  • Description:

    By 1930, talking motion pictures had become almost necessary for commercial success. The cinema had had more than 30 years to develop and perfect the method of conveying a drama without dialogue. The art of the silent cinema then disappeared, for the sound cinema has very different requirements. It was an art form that is very beautiful. The purpose of this course is to show examples of films in which that art form was developing and had reached a very sophisticated level. We will see whole films and if they are less than two hours we will have shorts. If more than two hours (and many of the best are) we will hold a longer class to see the complete film. Each film is accompanied by program notes which are intended to give information about the players, the director or the historical significance of the film. This year we will be viewing a few early talkies for contrast.

  • Format: Show films with program notes


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