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One of the prevailing sub-genres in American Cinema is the mafia movie. From Scarface to The Sopranos (HBO) organized crime has fascinated Americans―especially on screen. The highly self-reflective serial The Sopranos contains a prolonged homage to the genre. In this seminar, we will explore what constitutes the fascination of mafia movies: which myths and major themes does it explore? How does it represent immigration (of Italians and Jewish people)? What is its relation to capitalism? How does it view ‘the family’ and gender relations? How is it related to the usual suspects in American mythology such as the self-made men, self-reliance, the idea of freedom? What is its take on whiteness, becoming white and racial reasoning in general? We will also compare and contrast this specific pattern of making a movie with other genres (Film noir, Western, etc.). And, finally we will of course discuss the specific filmic devices used and the potential for innovation and continuation.
We will explore the following movies in depth: Scarface (1932), The Big Heat (1953), The Godfather Trilogy (1972-90), Once upon a time in America (1984), GoodFellas (1990), The Sopranos (1999-2007).
Please sign yourself up for this class in the virtual classroom in Moodle (link in Agnes)! The key is "Mafia". No registration through Agnes!
Readings:
• Texts will be uploaded onto the Moodle platform.
Viewings:
The movies can be screened for you on Mondays between 6PM and 8:30 PM, if you wish so. If you cannot participate in the screening you have to watch them on your own! Your instructor will throw a tantrum if you have not seen the movie very recently!
Course Requirements:
Students have to contribute a summary (together with one or two other students) of one meeting. As a MAP students will give a 15 min presentation – either in-class or, later, out-of-class. Topics for in-class presentations will be provided. |
