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Johns University College of Professional Studies Division of Mass Communication, Journalism, Television and Film SPECIAL CINEMA STUDIES THE HOLLYWOOD BLOCKBUSTER TVF 1510 CODE 11938

TIME PROFESSOR

Wednesday: 7:10-10:00 Prof. Matthew Giordano

E-mail MatthewGiordano2008@gmail.com Office Hours by appointment

TEXT BOOK:

Hollywood Cinema: Richard Maltby, 2nd Edition (Recommended)

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE: Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3 Paper 4 Midterm Exam Final Exam Attendance, attitude, participation TOTAL 10% 10% 10% 10% 10% 20% 30% 100%

I WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY LATE ASSIGNMENTS AND I WILL NOT ACCEPT ASSIGNMENTS OVER EMAIL!
A project/paper is late if it is turned in for grading or critique after the deadline. All the deadlines are THE BEGINNING of the class unless stated otherwise.

Attendance: We meet once a week; students are expected to attend all classes. If you miss 2 classes, you may be dropped from the class. You do not have any allowed absences. All absences must be substantiated by a valid note or a confirmed emergency situation. Lateness will not be tolerated. Any late entry counts as of an absence. If you work or travel from an outer borough and might be subjected to lateness due to unusual traffic conditions, please inform me in writing. All beepers, cell phones, and other devices must be turned off. If you leave class to answer a cell phone or beeper, I will assume it is an emergency; therefore, you will not need to reenter the class. Tests and Grading: The format of this course, and your grade, is based upon your examinations, papers, weekly assignments, readings, and class discussions. Students who miss an in class assignment will receive a grade of zero. Class attendance, participation, and discussion will count as 30% of your final grade. Papers/Exams/Assignments: Derived from your readings in the textbook, lectures, video, and audio presentations. You are required to read the assigned textbook pages and handouts prior to coming to class. 1

On all assignments reference your textbook, class lectures notes, visual presentations, and class discussions.
The paper due dates will be determined by me and should include a proper citation of sources!

Additional written assignments may be added throughout the term. Students who miss an in class assignment will receive a grade of zero. All take home assignments must be typewritten (12 pt. Times New Roman font; use MLA or the Chicago Manual of Style.) double-spaced, and attachments on 8 x 11 white bond paper. Use Spell Check, Grammar Check, and a dictionary. Staple and attach cover sheet to your work. Keep a copy for your records. When in doubt ask me for clarification. E-mail correspondence is okay, all assignments, however, must be presented in person. If you miss a class you are responsible for getting the assigned work to me at the due date. Papers: analyze four blockbuster films. Some films used in Class in no particular order!: The Avengers, Independence Day, Terminator 2, Toy Story, Home Alone, Star Wars, Avatar, Indiana Jones, Titanic, Jaws, Harry Potter 01/23/13

Blockbuster Films Modern Hollywood

What is a blockbuster film? How did Jaws and Star Wars usher in the new Hollywood Blockbuster. Spectacle over substance. Quality camera work, large production budgets, over reliance on action. Release pattern.

1/30/13

Blockbuster Films of the 1970s

Chapter 8: Hollywood Cinema What were the characteristics of Hollywood films of the 1970s? How did Jaws and Star Wars help to usher in a shift in Hollywoods aesthetic principles? Why were Jaws and Star Wars so influential to new Hollywood? How did Hollywoods new blockbuster philosophy manifest itself during this time period?

2/6/13

Narrative Storytelling: The Construction of Meaning

Watch: Star Wars A New Hope (1977) A return to classical Hollywood storytelling. Reintroduction of classical mythology to the mass public. Special effects and ILM. The viewer's contribution to the success of a film franchise.

2/13/13

Blockbuster Films of the 1980s

The Regan Era and a return to nostalgic American traditions. The importance of VHS and the home video market. The dominance of the science fiction/fantasy film in the blockbuster era. Steven Spielberg and a return to classical Hollywood style and narrative storytelling

2/20/13

Narrative Storytelling: The Construction of Meaning

Watch: Batman Tim Burton (1989) The birth of a major Hollywood franchise. Fantasy and its narrative role in Blockbuster filmmaking. The Hollywood tie-in (McDonalds, Warner Brothers, Fan Communities, Comic Book Films).

3/6/13

Industrial Patterns of Hollywood Blockbusters and the Rise of Disney Animated Films.
The importance of foreign audiences The rise of DVD, Blu-Ray, Digital rise of the multiplex, merchandising films now shot specifically for DVD Disneys Big Four (Aladdin, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast).

3/13/13

Narrative Storytelling: The Construction of Meaning

Watch: Aladdin (1992) The top grossing film of 1992 and story using Middle Eastern Folklore. Disney targets the young boy demographic. Big name actors attached to voice work to attract adult audiences (Robin Williams).

3/20/13

World War II on Film

difference between the portrayal of World War II American Soldiers and the Vietnam War American soldier The modern World War II aesthetic and the aesthetic importance of Saving Private Ryan. How films stand in for reality? The real of the cinematic world overtaking reality.

3/27/13

Ancient Rome and the Biblical Epic

The grandiose spectacle of ancient Rome on film. The Hollywood Roadshow and Cinemascope Spartacus, Gladiator and ancient Rome reborn. The influence of Ben Hur and the 10 Commandments on Modern Hollywood.

4/10/13

Narrative Storytelling: The Construction of Meaning

Watch: Gladiator (2000) Best picture winner at the Academy Awards. Rebirth of classical Hollywood storytelling and genres. The adventure film reborn. (Exotic ancient world locales and swashbuckling heroes).

4/17/13

Blockbuster Films of the 1990s

The rise of the multiplex. Style over substance. The increased role of Hollywoods marketing department. The ever increasing importance of merchandising.

4/24/13

The Modern Blockbuster Film

The increased cost of ticket prices. Cinema as an event to be witnessed for the power of spectacle. The rise of 3-D as a storytelling format. Hollywoods increased profitability in a time of a great financial crisis.

5/1/13

Narrative Storytelling: The Construction of Meaning

Watch: The Dark Knight (2010) Blockbuster film with academic and social substance. The power of performance. IMAX as a new storytelling format. The rebirth of a franchise. The rise of Christopher Nolan as a mainstream academic blockbuster director.

5/8/13

Final Exam