DLCL Film Series: Rebel With a Cause screening: The Spirit of the Beehive (1973) Victor Erice
Victor Erice’s 1973 film depicts the war-torn countryside of post-Civil War Spain from a child’s perspective, forcing viewers to rethink the ways that conflict affects society’s most marginalized subjects and the ways children might resist the political power struggles they may or may not understand. Erice’s film is also remembered for its subtle critique of the Francoist regime and the way classic tales such as Frankenstein are propagandized for political purposes.
Discussion will focus on analyzing the structures, actors, and acts of resistance, rebellion, and revolt in international film. In particular we will look at who resists and why; how a rebel’s identity and social position affects his or her political engagement; and how different forms of resistance can create movements that evolve from grassroots, across governments, and around the globe. In our study of representations of resistance across different schools and cultures of cinema, film technologies, and cinematic history, we will also address the ways that film creates suspense and intrigue, represents cause and effect, and prompts questions of ethics.
These screenings are part of the DLCL Film Series DLCL 152A/354A, which undergraduates and undergraduates can take for one unit C/NC. All screenings are free and open to the public and audience members are encouraged to participate in the discussions following the films. Please be aware that some films may include graphic or disturbing content: viewers are therefore advised to familiarize themselves with the films' content before viewing. May be repeated for credit.