Films have the power to transform us-- they give us iconic lines to live by, show us worlds beyond our imagination and, most importantly, heroes that we can identify with and root for-- all in a couple of hours. In this course, students will answer the question: how do they do this? Student will watch clips from Bollywood movies of the past and present and learn how the idea of the hero in film has changed over the years. Students will learn the fundamentals of film technique and storytelling and, through in-class activities, harness these techniques to create their own hero-narratives.
Discuss the identity and definition of a ‘hero’ in Bollywood film through various examples
Learn the fundamentals of film theory (themes, plot, symbolism, music) and engage critically on how these elements intersect to create a compelling narrative
Be able to analyze and evaluate how the representation of the hero in Indian cinema has been affected by the social and cultural norms of the time, and engage on the idea that film can be both, a mirror and a modifier, of society
Work on crafting their own hero-narrative. Creating and sharing stories will allow them to develop and apply critical thinking, communication and public-speaking skills
