BASC70157 - Criticism of Films - Its Philosophical Bases and Practices: Critiquing the Critics

Course Description

We are frequently told that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” One problem with this formulation is that it raises the question, “Are there any criteria—universal or particular—for value judgments?” How do judges in the Academy Awards and famous film festivals such as Cannes, Sundance, New York, Chicago, Toronto, etc. arrive at the judgments they make each year? Why, in one instance, was Forest Gump considered a better winner of the Academy Award than Pulp Fiction? What roles do directing, editing, music, acting, cinematography, cultural views, political situations, and/or personal bias play in assigning awards? Are marketing issues sometimes taken into consideration? In this course we will attempt to discern the multiple factors which arise in any consideration of judgement as an existential phenomenon. We will also address the practical considerations that individual judgements frequently entail. Films to be considered will include The Power of the Dog, The French Dispatch, A Hero, Taxi Driver, and The Lost Daughter. Three other films will be announced as we get closer to the first day of the course.

Notes

Online registration deadline: Thursday, June 16 at 5 pm CT

Remote courses require you to login to Canvas to access the Zoom Classroom. You will receive an invitation to join Canvas about a week before your course begins. Please visit the Liberal Arts Student Resources page to find step by step instructions for Canvas and Zoom: Online Learning Resources