Introduction to French Cinema: History, Style, and Legacy

French cinema has shaped global filmmaking for over a century, introducing groundbreaking narrative techniques and artistic movements. This text-based course guides you through the history, aesthetics, and cultural contexts of classic French films, helping you analyze cinema like a critic. What you will learn: Understand the foundational terms of film analysis and narrative structure; Explore key movements such as Poetic Realism and the French New Wave; Analyze the distinct styles of influential directors and scriptwriters; Examine how political events and social changes shaped cinematic history; Trace the legacy of French cinema and its ongoing influence on modern filmmaking. You will start with essential terminology and historical context before reading through deep analyses of landmark films. This course is designed for film enthusiasts and beginners, with no prior background in film studies or French language required. Begin your journey into the rich world of French cinema today.