Discussion: Morvern Callar

The response to this film seemed fairly positive. I'd like to hear any thoughts or ideas that we did not cover yet in class. I'd also like everyone to consider how the reading on "Internal Decolonization" applies to this film and also to Trainspotting. Obviously both films are very focused on location, landscape and place, but deal with these topics very differently. What are the differences? Similarities?

Do Danny Boyle's films seem to be generally concerned with location or landscape?

How/why is location or landscape important to a discussion of British cinema in general? How does the article apply to such a discussion?

Assignment due March 19th!

Sorry I forgot to remind you all of this in class today, but it is on the syllabus: You are to see one contemporary British film (1984 or later) and write a 500 word response to be turned in March 19 in class. Please don't just try writing about a film you saw months or even years ago; watch something now and write about it, informed by your coursework.

The following British films are on reserve in the library if you wish to watch them:

Brazil
Morvern Callar
Secrets and Lies
Life is Sweet
A Zed and Two Noughts
Ratcatcher

The library may have other contemporary British films available, or feel free to partake of any films showing in Boston at the moment, such as The Kendall Square Cinema (which currently is showing the excellent Oscar nominee An Education), or The Brattle Theatre (which is showing some classic Merchant-Ivory heritage films tomorrow), or the Coolidge (showing The Last Station directed by Michael Hoffman, a British co-production starring Helen Mirren, Christopher Plummer and James McAvoy, also with Oscar nods for Mirren and Plummer)

You can also rent from Netflix or a video store, too, or visit your local library, which normally have excellent video selections.

Danny Boyle

English director Danny Boyle was already well-respected (as the critically accliamed television director of Mr. Wroe's Virgins) before Shallow Grave was released, but this film attracted international renown. It was quickly followed by Trainspotting, which became an immediate cult and mainstream hit, being based on Irvine Welsh's bestselling novel. His collaboration with English cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle (who worked on a number of Dogme films) began with the box office smash 28 Days Later and has continued with Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours.

Clearly there are many thematic similarities to be found many of his films (urban decay, loyalty in relationships, drug use, found money, degradation of the self). Boyle also has cast a number of actors in more than one film, including Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle, Kerry Fox, Christopher Eccleston and Keith Allen. I'd love to hear your thoughts on these themes or trends in any of the films of Boyle's you've seen.

Presentation schedule

March 19 (Trainspotting): Erin Whitson, Megan Doak, Alyssa Hayward

March 26 (Ratcatcher): Anthony Scrocca, Erica Duran, Rose Tarman

April 9 (Lawless Heart and All or Nothing): Nikki Chin and Darcy Sly, Greg Moore, Kaileen Powers

April 16 (The Navigators): Katie Cavacco, Sara Marhamo

April 23 (Wallace & Gromit): Karen Schoucair, John Nguyen, Kyle Hebert

April 30 (Atonement): Adrianna Charles, Shawna Plumer, Alexandra Emerson and (and In the Loop): Nathan Paige, Doug White, Geoff Wells, Rouen Chan

Study Guide for Exam!

This is what you should be studying for the mid-term exam on Friday:

Go over the reading materials. There won't be terribly specific memorization questions re: names and dates but you should be familiar with general concepts and ideas discussed, as well as basic definitions of terms we have been using (like heritage cinema, British Expressionism, etc.)

Go over the lecture notes; these are somewhat based on the readings but include additional material you may be tested on.

Be sure you have seen all of the films viewed in class.

Take a look at the blog discussions about films.

Be on time for class. No one will be allowed to leave the room during the exam.