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West LA College | WLAC Course Syllabi | Cinema | Cinema 18 - Main Currents in Motion Pictures - Sullivan
WLAC Course Syllabi
Cinema 18 - Main Currents in Motion Pictures - Sullivan

COURSE DESCRIPTION

MAIN CURRENTS IN MOTION PICTURES
Thursdays 1:00 - 4:15pm

Instructor: Peter Sullivan 

A study of the classic film genres: drama, action, suspense, comedy, horror, science fiction, etc., including analysis of style, characteristics and structure.  In this course, you will explore each genre through screenings, special guests, lectures, and selected readings. 

 

ATTENDANCE

If you must miss class, let me know before hand.  Please see the WLAC Catalogue for attendance regulations.

 

GRADING

Attendance 10%, Participation 10%, First paper 10%, Second paper 10%, Third Paper 10%, First Midterm 15%, Second Midterm 15%, Final Exam 20%.

 

STUDENT OBJECTIVES

The class will cover the origins and evolution of major trends in storytelling in film throughout the years.   The student will gain a complex understanding of film genres as they apply to both film studies and production.  Students will be introduced to new classic films as well as gain a new appreciation for films they've already seen.

 

 

 

SCHEDULE

September 4, 2008
Introduction
Genre: Adventure
RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981)

September 11, 2008
Genre: Westerm
HIGH NOON (1952)

September 18, 2008
Genre: The Gangster Film
GOODFELLAS (1990)
**First Paper due

September 25, 2008
Genre: Action
THE MATRIX (1999) with special guest

October 2, 2008
Genre: Science Fiction
TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY (1991)

October 9, 2008
Genre: Coming of Age
HOW THE GARCIA GIRLS SPENT THEIR SUMMER (2005) with special guests
**Second Paper due

October 16, 2008
Genre: Comedy
AIRPLANE! (1980)
**First Midterm           

October 23, 2008
Genre: Musical
SINGING IN THE RAIN (1952)

October 30, 2008
Genre: Horror
THE EXORCIST (1973)

November 6, 2008
Genre: War
APOCALYPSE NOW (1979)

November 13, 2008
Genre: Mystery / Suspense
REAR WINDOW (1954)
**Second Midterm

November 20, 2008
Genre: The Comic Book Film
SUPERMAN (1978) with special guest
**Third Paper due

November 27. 2008
HAPPY THANKSGIVING

December 4, 2008
Genre: Fantasy
PAN’S LABYRINTH (2006)

December 11, 2008
Genre: Screwball Comedy
A CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL (2008) with special guest

December 18, 2008    
FINAL EXAM

Author/Contact Information
Peter Sullivan
Instructor
West LA College
Biography

Peter Sullivan was born in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts and graduated from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts with a degree in Film and Television.

 Peter has written numerous films including one of the highest rated Christmas movies in Lifetime history, "EVE'S CHRISTMAS" starring Elisa Donovan and Cheryl Ladd. He also wrote "BLIND INJUSTICE" starring Jamie Luner, Josie Davis and Theresa Russell; "CAVE IN" starring Mimi Rogers and Ted Shackelford; “FAULTLINE” starring Doug Savant; "SECRET LIVES" starring Daphne Zuniga and Duncan Regehr; "HIS & HER CHRISTMAS" starring Dina Meyer, Paula Devicq and David Sutcliffe; "TRAPPED," starring Alexandra Paul, Nicholas Turturro and Dennis Christopher; “TERMINATION POINT,” starring Jason Priestley and Lou Diamond Phillips; “HYDRA” starring George Stults; and the upcoming New Line Cinema release "POISON IVY 4: THE SECRET SOCIETY" starring Miriam McDonald and Shawna Waldron.

He has also written a remake of the B-movie classic "INVASION OF THE BEE GIRLS" for producer Fred Weintraub ("Enter the Dragon"); “FINAL SANCTION,” an action film with Steven Seagal attached to star; and “THE TOWER,” a horror feature for Cinetel Films. He is currently co-writing two graphic novels with renowned comic book veteran Stephen Stern (“Zen the Intergalactic Ninja”).

Most recently, Peter wrote the romantic comedy "A CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL" for producer Jeff Schenck and director Michael Feifer. The film, which is being shot in April 2008, stars Nicole Eggert, Tom Arnold, David O'Donnell, Shannon Sturges, David DeLuise, and Oscar-nominee Patty McCormack.

In addition to writing, Peter has ventured into producing and directing. As a producer, Peter co-produced the upcoming submarine feature "RECOIL" starring Luke Perry, Tom Berenger, Krista Allen and Louis Mandylor. As a director, Peter directed the urban martial arts feature "GAME OVER" and the acclaimed short "STEPHEN KING'S NIGHT SURF.” In the summer of 2007, he directed a series of behind-the-scenes segments for the hit web-series “IN THE MOTHERHOOD,” starring Leah Remini, Chelsea Handler and Lainie Kazan.

He also directed the short films "INTO THE MAELSTROM" and "07", a parody of 24 (TV series).

Peter lives in Studio City, California.

 

West LA College | WLAC Course Syllabi | Cinema | Cinema 18 - Main Currents in Motion Pictures - Sullivan