Film Studies – Introducing Pedro Almodóvar
Almodóvar is heralded as Spain’s greatest living film director and as one of the most acclaimed and popular filmmakers in the world.
Sampling films from the various stages of his output - from his transgressive early films to his stylish international arthouse hits to his meditative recent work - you will learn about his career and output and identify key characteristics of his work.
This topic will be explored through viewing and analysis of film extracts, tutor presentations and class discussions. Film extracts will include:
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988)
Pepi, Luci, Bom (1980)
Pain and Glory (2019)
Volver (2006)
All About My Mother (1999)
Parallel Mothers (2021)
Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone with an interest in film and a curiosity to learn more about cinema. You are not required to have any prior film knowledge of or familiarity with the films under discussion.
Will I need any equipment or materials?
You will need a notebook and pen to take notes. You are not required to purchase any textbooks or to arrange access to the films.
Excellent... A great way to spend a Saturday (better than going shopping!)
Image: Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, dir. Pedro Almodóvar, 1988
Need to Know
You will learn
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:
- identify aesthetic qualities and production contexts of selected films
- identify key characteristics of Pedro Almodóvar’s work
- identify the filmography of Pedro Almodóvar.
Meet the Tutor
Hilary Smith
Hilary Smith is a lecturer in film studies at Birkbeck, University of London, and has also taught at City University London, Imperial College London and Arcadia University.
Hilary has a professional background in film curation and arts administration, and was formerly a curator and programme manager for BFI Southbank (formerly known as the National Film Theatre) at the British Film Institute.
Hilary has received a Distinguished Teaching and Scholarship Award for ‘an outstanding contribution to teaching and learning’.
Dates and Times
Film Studies – Introducing Pedro Almodóvar
, 6:35
