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Since the early 20th century Hollywood has been seen as the center of globally marketed entertainment culture and, by some, as the epitome of “American cultural imperialism”. At the same time Hollywood has been the place where some of the most creative and celebrated filmmakers, actors, and writers have produced internationally acclaimed films, genres, and cinematic schools. The seminar will examine different moments in the history of Hollywood when the relation between film production, nationalism and foreign markets/audiences became particularly vexed issues. We will analyse single movies (from the silent era to contemporary productions) and will read critical assessments of Hollywood film making from such perspectives as political economy, cultural studies, and cultural policy. There will be in-class screenings (from 12 to 14h). Additional films will be provided at Mediothek (Dorotheenstr.). A reader will be available for purchase in the first week of teaching. Participants should be familiar with the following films before the seminar starts: The Birth of a Nation (1915, dir. D. W. Griffith) Babel (2006, dir. Alejandro González Iñárritu) |
