Talking Film (DM11 Spring)

Enthusiastic about film? Watch and discuss different films and build your film appreciation tool kit with a film expert each week.

What will you learn on this course?

This course will help you to improve your general understanding of film, with reference to specific topics. You will learn various approaches to critically analysing film by considering areas including cinematic style, genre conventions and the historical development of national film industries.

Each term, the course is themed around a particular area of film history. Possible themes include Film Noir, British Cinema and Film Stardom. Most sessions involve a tutor-led presentation and the screening of relevant film excerpts. On occasion, an entire film may be shown, as appropriate. Student activities include discussing films as a group, as well as taking part in quizzes and presentations.

Although this is not an academic course, it is influenced by the tutor’s experience, which includes publishing scholarly work about film and teaching Film Studies at university level.

The course will include one free ticket to MAC’s cinema. In addition, each course participant will be able to buy cinema tickets at MAC for £5 each during the course term. Please note that this offer only applies to green tier seating and does not automatically include special events such as Q&As.

On completing this course, you will be able to discuss your opinions about specific films in a number of ways. You will be able to talk about the significance of key aspects of selected films and relate this back to a wider context, such as the importance of a given film in terms of its placement within a particular genre. More broadly, you will be able to identify a wide range of areas of interest relating to film and express your views on these areas to the rest of the group. In short, you will finish the course with a deeper understanding of film history and film culture.

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years. It is open to learners of all levels, and aimed at those with an interest in film and going to the cinema.

At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. A support worker or carer may attend to assist; carers must book a complimentary ticket if attending a course to provide support. The room is wheelchair accessible.

Do you need to bring anything?

All course material is provided. You may want to bring a notebook and pen.

Are there any additional costs?

There are no additional costs.

Who teaches this course?

Daniel Jenkins-Smith