The Parisian Suburbs in French New Wave Cinema

Late 1960s Paris was a beacon of the realized modernist architectural vision. Towering banlieues surrounded the old city, and families wanting more space or a modern lifestyle left the city behind. Simultaneously, the fields of architecture and urban planning were all but announcing the death of modernism, which officially occurred on July 15, 1972, according to architectural theorist Charles Jencks. 

In this course, we will watch and discuss three iconic French New Wave films, and one contemporary film through the lens of art and architectural history, exploring their connections to and commentaries on the modernization of Paris’ suburban fabric.

MMU Post Graduate Teaching Program classes offer recent college graduates an opportunity to curate, research, and teach film appreciation classes related to their chosen field of study.  

Films:

8/5: 2 OR 3 THINGS I KNOW ABOUT HER (1967, 90 min)

8/12: LE BONHEUR (1965, 79 min)

8/19: PLAYTIME (1967, 115 min)

8/26: LA HAINE (1995, 98 min)

This class is taught by Post-Graduate Teaching Fellow Daniel Williams. 

Each class will begin with a short lecture, followed by a screening of the film, after which an instructor-led discussion will take place. 

Class will be held at the Movie Madness Miniplex at 4320 SE Belmont Street.

Enrollment is free but is limited to 18 students.