MDIA 347 Olympics on Film
The modern Olympics and the film industry were born at approximately the same time in the late nineteenth century - this course will explore the shared history of the two movements by looking at how the games have been portrayed on film. From screwball comedies (Walk, Don't Run 1966, Cool Runnings 1993) to period dramas (Chariots of Fire 1981, Miracle 2004) and political propaganda films (Olympia 1938) to documentaries (16 Days of Glory, 1984) - we will explore and discuss how these portrayals of the Olympic Games spoke to audiences about the movement itself, the time periods when they are set, the goals of the games, challenges, ideals, successes and failures.