American Experimental Film

In this course we will survey the varied films that have made up the American avant-garde since 1943. Drawing on theories of spectatorship, we will consider how experimental films challenge viewers through form and content. Special attention will be given to critical consideration of the avant-garde’s relationship with the more commercial cinema of Hollywood. Filmmakers discussed will include Maya Deren, Stan Brakhage, Shirley Clarke, Andy Warhol, Marlon Riggs, George Kuchar, Cheryl Dunye, Su Friedrich, and Kevin Jerome Everson. In watching and discussing these works, we will trace a material history of the avant-garde, from 16mm and video, to digital cinema and machinima, drawing through lines from the underground avant-garde of the 20th century to the pervasive remix culture of today.



Will DiGravio is a Brooklyn-based critic and researcher, completing his PhD in the School for Cultural Analysis at the University of Amsterdam. His writing has appeared in publications including Senses of Cinema, Millennium Film Journal, and Cineaste, where he is an assistant editor./