French
320 Studies in French Cinema: Luc Besson
First Summer Session 2008, MW 6-9:45pm, Kingston
Taught in English - Dr. Alain-Philippe Durand
URI French and Francophone Studies Program
Films are in
English or in French with English subtitles. All readings,
assignments, and class discussions are conducted in English.
Films are watched in class. This course counts toward the Film
Media major/minor, the French major/minor, the Fine Arts/Literature
gen.
ed. requirement, a 300+ graduation elective, and it counts as a
diversity [D] course. French 320
may be repeated
with different topics. Students who
wish to count this course toward a French major or
minor will write exams and term paper in French; other students will
work
in English. NO KNOWLEDGE OF FRENCH IS
NEEDED IN THIS COURSE. IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS ENROLLING THROUGH ECAMPUS
CONTACT ADURAND@URI.EDU FOR A
PERMISSION NUMBER.
This course concentrates on Luc Besson, one of the most celebrated
contemporary French directors. Besson pursues a successful career
as a director, scenarist, and producer in France and in Hollywood since
the 1980s. Most of his films, such as The Fifth Element, The Messenger or The Transporter are
distributed worldwide.
The course analyzes Besson’s films and pays special attention to the
evolution
of his career between two languages, two countries, and two
cultures.
In addition to the screening of the films, class sessions will be
devoted
to discussion. The emphasis in this class will be on exchanging
interpretations
of films/assigned readings with each other. The forum for exchanging
ideas
will consist both of full class discussion and small group work and
discussions.
Filmography:
Messenger, The Story of
Joan of
Arc (1999)
Taxi (1998)
The Fifth Element
(1997)
The Professional
(1994)
La Femme Nikita
(1990)
The Big Blue
(1988)
Subway (1985)
Final Combat (1983)
What Past
Participants Think:
FRN
320A Participants Summer 2004
"As a Business student, the last place I thought I would wind up last
summer was in the Independence screening room to learn about a director
of whom I had seen only two movies. To my surprise, the world of Luc
Besson, FRN 320A (I am not a French student, don't know more than 'YES'
in French) turned out to be one of the most intriguing and beneficial
classes I have taken at URI. I learned things about film, filmmaking,
writing, and directing, not to mention all about Luc Besson. All of
these things would have remained hidden under rocks that I didn't
overturn if I hadn't taken this class." Stephen Corey
"I loved the class. It was really interesting to analyze and study the
films of Luc Besson. I also enjoyed watching the films as they are
rather contemporary and entertaining. Discussions were always
stimulating and there was participation from everyone, which made the
class more fun. Though the sessions are close to 4 hours each, it
always went by quickly and I feel like I got a lot out of the course. I
would definitely recommend the class to anyone who is interested in
film and it is a great way to get some credits toward French or Film
Studies." Yevgenya Chityan
"I
found this
course on Luc Besson an excellent way to integrate further knowledge in
French culture and also acquire a background in film studies. Besson
has a very distinct style in his film production making him an
excellent réalisateur
to
learn from. I walked in without the slightest experience in
studying
filming techniques and left with a completely different manner of
looking at films. Also, by studying Besson, those who have an interest
in French culture have another step up on those who know nothing of
French movie directors. Even here in Quebec I was able to answer a few
more questions on Quebec's version of Who
Wants to be a Millionaire!" Ryan Cournoyer
"I know that summer classes are never pleasant (I mean, who wants to go
to school instead of the beach?) but I really looked forward to going
to this class. I would also really encourage non-French majors to take
the class because it gives them an insight into French culture. I know
that it may seem overwhelming to a non-French major to sign up for
French 320, and many students wouldn't think to look under the FRN
heading in ecampus. Despite these facts I feel that the class was very
interesting, the movies ranged from the worst movie I've ever seen to
the best movie I've ever seen, and commentaries and insights were
always thoughtful and entertaining." Meghan Tobin
"In this course I discovered Luc Besson, read many interesting articles
talking about various aspects of his films. I highly recommend this
course because even if you are not interested in film, you learn a
great deal about on eof the most important French movie maker and his
films. The course was close to 4 hours long, but it did not seem that
way because the movies and the lectures were so interesting... Through
Luc besson's films, not only do you learn about Besson, but you also
learn a bit about French culture and the way movies are made. Don't
leave URI without taking FRN 320!" Ruth Crisostomo
"I
loved the course study on French Films by Luc Besson.
Firstly, it was interesting to study modern films all by the same
director; it gave me a great appreciation for his style and I liked
learning about the cinéma
du
look.
All the films we watched were really interesting; I was
never bored during the class. The teaching style certainly enhances the
course: funny, entertaining, and explanations were clear and consice -
thank you!" Sherry Fiaux
"I highly enjoyed the FRN 320 class on Luc Besson. I learned a
great deal and enjoyed coming to class - even though I had to do it in
French! :) I have
always enjoyed French classes, however I found this one to be the most
interesting. It could have been because of the relaxed environment of
the class. I loved it." Amy Boisvert
"I really
loved all of the Luc Besson's movies. Now I make my husband and friends
watch the ones I can rent...they also enjoy them..." Alison Svenningsen
FRN 320A Participants Summer 2003
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