Hollywood has never shied away from self involvement and frequently turns its cameras on itself. This course explores the representation of filmmaking in the movies. We will examine American films from Sunset Boulevard, through Living in Oblivion, to The Artist. We’ll then divert to Europe to consider Cinema Paradiso and other notable examples. We will be discussing the reasons for this topic’s enduring popularity with both producers and audiences. The course will include three lectures by Julian Bowker and extracts from a wide range of films to provoke discussion. The course runs on January 9, 16 and 23 from 19:00 to 20:30

Session 1 – Classical Hollywood

Session 2 – Europe in the 70s and 80s

Session 3 – Contemporary Hollywood Satire and Comedy

Course fee: £40