In Plain Sight: On Queer Viewership

GR - Graduate

The chief aim of this course is to consider queer cinema as claimed material. Rather than focusing on films pertaining to directly queer content made by queer-identifying filmmakers, we will examine mainstream and independent films that have, indirectly or unintentionally, spoken to generations of trans, gay, and gender non-conforming audiences. Many unlikely films have achieved a cult status, becoming underground touchstones that simultaneously hide in plain sight. Our objective is to explore how and why this occurs, and to ultimately recuperate a wider and more complicated understanding of what queer cinema is and can be through the lens of viewership.

This 10-week intensive is made up of weekly screenings, readings, and discussions pertaining to different themes, including: embodiments, outlaws, solidarity, longing, absence, and family units, among others. Screenings will be made up of a variety of different moving image works, from mainstream industry films and television to smaller independent works. Readings will be predominantly theoretical in nature, engaging in various aspects of queer, critical, and film theory. Our work will also include several writing assignments that are responses to the screenings and readings. There are no prerequisites or prior knowledge needed to enter the class. Course is open to students across the Institute at the BFA2 level or above.