Film Studies: Classic Hollywood and the French Masters

Have you ever wondered why certain movie scenes stay with you long after the credits roll, or how modern directors pay homage to the past? To truly appreciate cinema, you must understand the historical movements and storytelling techniques that laid its foundation. This text-based course guides you through the golden ages of cinema, helping you transition from a casual viewer to an active, analytical film critic. You will explore how classic Hollywood storytelling and the innovative techniques of French cinema masters shaped the global language of film. What you'll learn: Understand the fundamental terminology and visual grammar of classical film analysis; Analyze the narrative structures and studio systems of Classic Hollywood Cinema; Explore the revolutionary techniques of French Masters and the French New Wave; Deconstruct intertextuality and identify how modern films reference classic cinema; Identify key characteristics of expressionism and modernism in filmmaking; Apply modern film criticism frameworks to write insightful, structured film analyses. This course begins with essential terminology and foundational concepts of film form before guiding you through historical deep dives and comparative readings of landmark films. It is designed for beginners and film enthusiasts who want to build a solid foundation in cinema history and analysis with no prior academic background required. Begin your journey into the art of cinema today.