In 1966 Time magazine declared London ‘the swinging city’, championing it as the hub of hip fashion, art and music. This course will explore how the image of Swinging London was reflected and created through British films of the mid-late ‘60s.

Blow-Up is heralded as the ultimate Swinging London film, with a David Bailey-esque photographer and appearances from supermodel Veruschka and happening band The Yardbirds. But, as this course will consider, there were a variety of depictions, encompassing both the good times and the downsides of London life.

Film extracts for study will include
A Hard Day’s Night (1964)
The Knack … and How to Get It (1965)
The Pleasure Girls (1965)
The Party’s Over (1965)
Alfie (1966)
Blow-Up (1966)
Georgy Girl (1966)
Smashing Time (1967)
Performance (1970)

Who is this course for?

This course is for anyone with an interest in films and a curiosity to learn about aspects of cinema history and culture. You are not required to have any prior film knowledge or familiarity with the films under discussion.

What can I expect?

This topic will be explored through viewing and analysis of film extracts, tutor presentations, class discussions, and supporting handouts.

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 DVDs.

Well presented by a tutor who has a deep and extended knowledge of film studies and always manages to put the course subject in the wider sociological, historical and political era and location it is part of. The course was perfectly executed.
Film Studies student

Image: Blow-Up, dir. Michelangelo Antonioni, 1966

Need to Know

Metadata

Time: 11:00 - 17:00
Price: £66/£50 concession
Day: Saturday
Duration: 360
Venue: Bishopsgate Institute
Tutor: Hilary Smith
Max Students: 16
Course Code: CA23307

You will learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

identify aesthetic qualities of the selected films
identify key films, exponents, themes and characteristics
identify ways 1960s London has been represented in films.

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’.

Learn more

Bishopsgate Institute

Film Studies – Swinging London in 1960s Films