Russian-Soviet Film: Illusion and Reality
In the twentieth century, cinema became the most popular form of propaganda and entertainment in the former Soviet Union. In Russia today film remains an important transmitter of new social ideas and spiritual concerns. The course will survey the development of the Russian cinema, exploring the historical background, cultural and literary context, and political "sub-context" of selected popular Russian films as well as different film techniques. We will analyze films of various genres, such as drama, musical, comedy, the Russian "eastern," melodrama, and sci-fi, ranging from silent films to the most recent ones. 3 hrs. lect./disc., screening