What is the relationship between Spanish film and history? How has Spanish cinema contributed to the national imagination of Spain?

This course provides a detailed introduction to Spanish film from the 1950s until the present day. It explores the ways in which Spanish cinema has frequently explored, constructed and problematized Spanish nationhood across a diverse range of cinematic movements and genres. In studying the works of key directors such as Pedro Almodóvar, Alex de la Iglesia, Iciar Bollaín and Carla Simón, the course considers how Spanish film has responded to key moments, crises and contradictions in Spanish history and society. The course will consider the practices of both Spanish art cinema and popular cinema alike, and closely examine these trends within their sociohistorical, political and industrial contexts.

The course is taught through a combination of weekly lectures and seminars, where students are expected to have watched the film in advance. The seminars will also enable students to develop their analytical skills of film.