White Rose Research Studentships
Artistic and intercultural dialogue in the Japanese cinema of the 1960s-70s
Session 2009-2010
Network Mixed Cinema - Interdisciplinary and Intercultural Approaches
to Japanese Cinema
Principal Supervisor Professor Lúcia Nagib School
University Modern Languages & Cultures
Leeds
Tel No 0113 3437069 E-Mail [log in to unmask]
Co-Supervisor Dr Mika Ko Dept/School
University East Asian Studies
Sheffield
Project Description
If Japanese cinema has been privileged among European and American
critics, it is often because it purportedly contravenes the norms of
classical Hollywood cinema, whose aim is to produce emotional
catharsis and consequently commercial profit. Japanese filmmakers in
the 1960s-70s naturally adhered to the so-called anti-illusionistic
techniques in vogue at that time. Oshima, Imamura, Yoshida and
Shinoda, among others, became true virtuosos in the employment of such
techniques. However, their films, akin as they also are to Japanese
traditional arts, especially those with a strong erotic element, are
in no way intended to eliminate the body, emotion and contagion. In a
time of revision of grand theories and master narratives, this
research will contribute a novel approach by investigating the mixed
nature of the Japanese New Wave cinema of the 1960s-70s, including its
engagement with politics and ethnicity, as well as with other arts, as
an alternative to traditional East-West dichotomies and ethnocentric
views.
Objectives
To investigate the interface between the Japanese New Wave films and
other arts (kabuki, noh, butoh, bunraku, ukiyo-e, e-makimono etc.).
To specify modes of address and spectatorship derived from this interface.
To investigate the intercultural and inter-racial dialogue contained
in these films.
To investigate the relationship between politics and aesthetics in these films.
To examine their legacy in current practices and international co-productions.
Resource and facilities available
The student will find at the Leeds Centre for World Cinemas all the
necessary support to develop his/her research. The university has two
libraries with comprehensive and updated collections of books and
journals on cinema and excellent audiovisual collections. The Language
Centre, at the SMLC, has efficient self-access facilities and a large
collection of world cinema films. A special room with IT facilities
and permanent technical assistance is offered to PGRs.
Training provision for student
The PhD student's training will follow the Leeds and Sheffield general
guidelines, combined with specific film studies and Japanese culture
training, as required by the research topic. Within the CWC, PhD
students receive special training on research on film. They are given
the opportunity to audit relevant sessions or modules of the MA in
World Cinemas and other related modules available at the University.
Entry Requirements
Candidates are expected to have obtained good qualifications in first
and masters degrees in a subject relevant to their research area.
Knowledge of Japanese language is desirable but not essential. English
language requirements apply (see www.leeds.ac.uk/rds).
Further Details
Contact Lúcia Nagib
Tel No 0113-3437069
Fax No 0113-3433517
E-Mail [log in to unmask]
Bibliography/References
Desser, David, Eros plus Massacre - An Introduction to the Japanese
New Wave Cinema. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1988.
Oshima, Nagisa, Cinema, Censorship, and the State - The Writings of
Nagisa Oshima, 1956-1978. Cambridge/London: The MIT Press, 1980
Turim, Maureen, The Films of Oshima Nagisa - Images of a Japanese
Iconoclast. Berkely/Los Angeles/London: University of California
Press, 1998
--
Yemisi Ogunleye
www.iq4news.com
Head of Communications,
MeCCSA Post-Graduate Network
website: http://www.meccsa.org.uk/pgn/
Media & Communications Dept.,
Birmingham City University,
City North Campus,
Birmingham
B42 2SU
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