Masters of cinema: Elia Kazan and the Method
Time: 10:30 - 16:30
Location: Keeley Street
- Course Code: HF032
- Dates: 18/01/25 - 18/01/25
- Time: 10:30 - 16:30
- Taught: Sat, Daytime
- Duration: 1 session
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: John Wischmeyer
Course Code: HF032
Duration: 1 session
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What is the course about?
This fifties’ film studies course is about a key but complex and divisive director, an immigrant (b 1909 to Greek parents, moved to US in 1914) who, like Frank Capra before him and Martin Scorsese after him, felt an outsider. Marty idolised him and stood up for Kazan at his Life Achievement Oscar while half of Hollywood remained seated. Kazan’s HUAC testimony split Hollywood down the middle. At the end of the fifties, Kazan made Wild River (1960), a film about the 1930’s Tennessee Valley Authority starring Montgomery Clift. This film is the surprise discovery for this course, the film you most likely have never seen.
What will we cover?
Kazan as a brilliant stage director of the three greatest American playwrights: A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) was Kazan’s great film of Tennessee William’s great play—that Kazan also directed on Broadway in 1947 when he cast Jessica Tandy as Blanche and a virtually unknown actor at the time, Marlon Brando. His performance was hailed as ‘an insurrection’. Like Montgomery Clift before him, Brando’s primary focus is the kind of inner exploration of himself and his character that is the cornerstone of the Method style of acting, and that pursuit of a psychological and emotional truth was the holy grail for Elia Kazan. Death of a Salesman, a 1949 stage play written by American playwright Arthur Miller and directed by Kazan is considered by some critics to be one of the greatest plays of the 20th century, undoubtedly the best American play since A Streetcar Named Desire”, also directed by Kazan). Two plays by William Inge became films: Picnic (1955) and Bus Stop (1956), both directed by Joshua Logan. Inge later won an Academy Award for his original screenplay for the film Splendour in the Grass (1961), directed by Kazan.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Identify and describe the five key films of Elia Kazan.
- Define his directorial style and signature
- Have a broad understanding of the Method style of acting.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a course for those interested in cinema. No previous experience or film study is necessary but those who have done previous study will find it well-informed and genuinely educational.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Opening lecture, proper big screen screenings of films, clips, sequences and re-mixes that stimulate group discussion and debate.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs. Tutor will supply film extracts and links to online viewing. Bring a notepad or tablet.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Look for other Film Studies courses under History Culture and Writing/Film Studies at www.citylit.ac.uk.
John Wischmeyer (MA in Film Theory) set up, ran and programmed his own cinema in West London and has since taught film studies at the former Gainsborough studio, the BFI and City Lit since 1999, Hitchcock’s centenary year. John has covered a wide range film topics under the banner ‘Cinema Investigates America’ and has a particular interest in and considerable knowledge of Hitchcock, Hollywood studios, American independent cinema and film noir, film technique and style.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.