Stanford University Division of Literatures, Cultures, and Languages Department of German Studies
German Cinema through a Century of Turmoil
Sundays 7:30pm – 9:30pm Location: Haus Mitt, the German Theme House Lounge Course number: German20M
Presented by Haus Mitt ATA Peter Wang and Kathryn Kolb
Course Overview
From the Weimar Republic, to the Contemporary age of Germany as the cultural and political capital of Europe, German cinema has always offered a unique lens into zeitgeist, or the intellectual thought of its times. Through the discussion of these films, we can understand these films as not only as art for the purpose of entertainment, but a rich tapestry of German historicist thought. This class will be a fun opportunity to learn about German history and culture through the lenses of these films.
The class will consist of film viewings on Sunday evenings from 7:30pm to 9:30pm starting Week 2 of the quarter through Week 9, 8 screenings total. Most of the films will be in German with English subtitles, unless otherwise stated. A brief introduction will be given at the beginning of each screening, and there will be an optional open forum for discussion after the film. (Special screenings and additional films may also be offered based on student interest)
Food and Beverages will be provided.
Looking forward to seeing all of you in class.
Course Requirements
Attendance for 5 of the films is required to receive credit for the class. Attendance to the first film class is also mandatory.
(Special screenings options and additional films may also be offered which can be counted towards the 5 required attendances)
Film Listing:
Week 2 – October 5th “M” – Fritz Lang (1931) A Fritz Lang classic considered to be his magnum opus, M is a proto-noir film about a child murderer. The film is a sea of symbols and psychological thrills, and it serves as the launching point of our discussion of the film of the Weimar Republic.
Week 3 – October 12th “Triumph of Will” – Leni Riefenstahl (1935) The epitome of Nazi propaganda cinema, the Triumph of Will pioneered the usage of a large repertoire of film techniques in its projection of power and Nazi ideology.
Week 4 – October 19th “Downfall” – Oliver Herschbiegel (2004) “Downfall” is a film depicting the last days of the Nazi party. It is the source of the famous internet meme video, but it is also a critically acclaimed movie that gives a personal look into the face of evil.
Week 5 – October 26th “Aguirre, the Wrath of God“ – Werner Herzog (1972) One of Werner Herzog’s masterpieces representative of the New German Cinema school, the film follows the fantastic adventures of a group of Conquistadors in search of El Dorado.
Week 6 – November 2nd “Das Boot” – Wolfgang Petersen (1981) Das Boot is an epic war film of epic proportions depicting the action and the eventual political disillusions of a U-boat crew. It was nominated for six Academy awards.
Week 7 –November 9th “Goodbye Lenin” – Wolfgang Becker (2003) A comedy film about a boy who keeps the life of his mother firmly rooted in a world that no longer exists for the sake of her heath. A lighter film set in the rapidly changing world.
Week 8 –November 14th “Lives of Others” – Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck (2005) “Lives of Others” is one of the most powerful films depicting the dystopian invasion of personal privacy and political murder committed by the East German regime. The message is undoubtedly worthy of revisiting in light of current times.
Week 9 –November 31th “Run Lola Run” – Tom Tekwer (1998) A thriller film following several runs of a woman (Lola). Short, innovative, and highly unique.