European Art Cinema

What do we mean by ‘Art Cinema’? How can ‘Art Cinema’ be defined as a genre, and how does this term relate to the concepts of ‘art films’ and ‘art-house films’?

European Art Cinema examines the history and social and cultural context of ‘art cinema’ as a genre that took shape in various waves, such as those relating to the founding of the Film Society in London in 1925 and the movement around Cahiers du Cinéma in Paris in the 1950s, throughout the 20th century.

This compact and accessible guide introduces students to key films of European art cinema, including The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, A Man Escaped, Aguirre, Wrath of God, Comrades and Silence.