Introduction to World and European Art Films (KSK_101)

To create understanding of the theory of art films, the most prominent film directors in the world – authors and their works, which were created from the middle of the 20th century until nowadays. The notion of “art films” created by film theorists of the French “New Wave” and its theory is a thankful method to understand the most important phenomena of the film history, as well as modern film processes. The art film theory allows following up accomplishments of the world-renowned film directors understanding how the method – stylistic techniques, signature peculiarities, thematic of works – of each specific author (director) differ from the supply of commercially oriented cinematograph, which uses stylistic conditions of the classical Hollywood and classical narration techniques. Concept of art films was created in Europe, France at the turn of 1950s–1960s emphasising that signs of a bright, individual signature can be viewed in works of European directors and works of individual authors working in America.
Objectivel of the course: to view and analyse works of prominent authors of the 20th century, who have made a significant contribution to the development of the world cinematograph, its multifacetedness and stylistic diversity.
To familiarise themselves with accomplishments of the most prominent authors of art films of the end of the 20th century and the 21st century, as well as works of several Asian directors, authors of which have already become important concepts in the world cinematograph.
To analyse the most important texts on film theory, which allows to evaluate art film practices in a more multifaceted manner, their relations to classical narrative principles and genre conventions.