The mob movie is one of America’s classic movie genres. These genres explore what it means to live in a materialistic; violent country that enjoys imagining a world ordered by “codes of honor.” In this course we will watch films from this genre’s very beginning up to the groundbreaking re-evaluation of the mafia in The Sopranos. We’ll consider these films from three different perspectives: as distinct versions of the mobster genre; as pointed critiques of capitalist America; and as explorations of the human psyche and its tendency to indulge in violent fantasies. No prior familiarity with any of these films is expected. Films may include: Scarface; The Godfather; GoodFellas; American Gangster and many more. Weekly screenings and class presentation projects will be the center of our discussions.
Prerequisites
Be in the Honors Program