Unit 1: Varieties of Cultural Expression in
Europe
The first half of the 20th century saw cinema begin to influence and, at times, to outstrip literature as a means of artistic expression. Not surprisingly, images of the nation, so important to 19th century cultural nationalists, began to appear on the big screen. This unit considers the development of a distinct European cinematic tradition and its concern with issues of identity and place. Beginning with 'Irish' cinema, the representation of Ireland in 20th-century film and its influence on the way Ireland is perceived internationally will be examined. A particularly fascinating aspect of Irish cinema is the evidence of a chronology of perspectives, beginning with the Irish-American view of Ireland, epitomised by John Ford's The Quiet Man, later giving way to the Irish view of Ireland most prevalent in the 1980s and 1990s, with films such as Cal and The Butcher Boy which are the work of native Irish writers and directors. |