OBJECTIVES
This course will explore representations of Ireland and the Irish through film. One of the central aims will be to analyse the ways in which Ireland has been portrayed by filmmakers ? as quaint and pastoral or conversely as a nation plagued by seemingly senseless violence ? and to explore how more recently these trajectories are becoming more complicated. In particular, we will focus upon questions of authenticity and imagination, the texts and contexts of the films, while taking into account the background of current debates in Irish cultural and literary studies involving post-colonialism and post-modernism.
Classes will begin with a brief introduction to the film and there will be some time for discussion following the screening.
OUTLINE:
Part I
Irish Cinema: Ourselves Alone? (Donald Taylor Black 1995)
Man of Aran (Robert Flaherty 1932)
The Quiet Man (John Ford 1952)
Ryan?s Daughter (David Lean 1970)
Poitin (Bob Quinn 1978)
Part II
The Crying Game (Neil Jordan 1992)
Nothing Personal (Thaddeus O?Sullivan 1996)
Part III
Into the West (Mike Newell 1992)
The Van (Alan Parker 1993)
The Last of the High Kings (David Keating 1996)
Part IV
The Butcher Boy (Neil Jordan 1997)
Disco Pigs (Kirsten Sheridan 2001)
Saltwater (Conor McPherson 2001)
MATERIAL
Reading material will be selected from Rockett, Gibbons & Hill Cinema and Ireland, Arthur Flynn Irish Film 100 Years, Lance Pettitt Screening Ireland and other texts. Photocopies will be made available for students in a short course reader.
ASSESSMENT
Class participation, attendance and a 3000 word essay.
NOTE
Scheduling of this seminar is subject to further notice.