NO CLASS: February 12
As the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War approaches, we will view feature films about the war and explore how the war and its far-reaching effects have been represented and interpreted over time on the silver screen. Between 1917 and the present, well over 100 commercial films were produced based on World War I themes. With few exceptions, these films were antiwar statements expressing disillusionment with the war. Many were realistic with graphic battle scenes; others more romantic, psychological, or satiric. They represent an important part of the cultural history of the 20th Century and are central to the popular memory of World War I.
In this seven-week course, we will view a selection of films that reflect American, British, French, and German experiences of the war.
Subject to change, we will view the following classics:
- Shoulder Arms (U.S., 1918), Charlie Chaplin
- The Big Parade (U.S., 1925), King Vidor
- All Quiet on the Western Front (U.S., 1930), Lewis Milestone
- Grand Illusion (France, 1937), Jean Renoir
- Paths of Glory (U.S., 1957), Stanley Kubrick
- Oh! What a Lovely War (U.K., 1969), Richard Attenborough
- Testament of Youth (U.K., 2014), James Kent
Background material for films will be provided. Class sessions will last 2-1/2 to 3 hours depending on film length and the vigor of our discussions.