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IMC 2012: Sessions

Session 928: Negotiating the Rules of Character in the Medieval Film: Conventions to Follow or Break - A Round Table Discussion

Tuesday 10 July 2012, 19.30-20.30

Sponsor:Centre for Late Antique & Medieval Studies, King's College London
Organiser:Beatrice Wilford, Department of English Language & Literature, King's College London
Moderator/Chair:James Smith, Centre for Medieval & Early Modern Studies (CMEMS), University of Western Australia
Abstract

The representation of character in medieval films - be it the character of individuals, governments, or societies - occurs at the balancing point between desire for historical accuracy and the expectations of modernity. As such, it can reinforce or break popular imaginings of the Middle Ages. Through a series of thematically diverse contributions, this round table discussion investigates whether medieval film can ever present a 'truly medieval' character, and whether this is desirable. Each participant will present a film clip, and the session will be followed by a film chosen from amongst them by those present.

Participants include Laura Bailey (King's College London), Josh Davies (King's College London), Beatrice Wilford (King's College London), and Jane-Héloïse Nancarrow (University of York).