London Film Academy

 Hello all, 

London Film School as a virtual event happening
on the 22^nd June. This is a great opportunity to see what they may offer you!

https://www.londonfilmacademy.com/events/lfa-virtual-open-house-for-ba-hons-filmmaking-22-jun-2022

SHAUN OF THE DEAD : Representation of GENDER analysis

Which stereotypes about gender ( typical male/female  attitudes and behaviour)   can be applied to  Shaun and Liz, and  do each of them break free and challenge any  of these stereotypes in the film at any point? 

Are there any  other characters that exemplify these stereotypes more simply ? 

( 500 words minimum )

You can focus on stereotypes from  horror , action and comedy films as well as attitudes from " real life".

 Analyse the opening scene in the pub  and the resolution of the film  in particular 

                                                          Opening


                                                Housemates


                                        


                                               Girl in the garden

                                                             Z word


                                                       The end of Davs


                                           
                                                       Final scene


                                                 

TRAINSPOTTING : analysis of narrative resolutions

 

Analyse how the narrative resolutions of the film explore and resolve its  themes and binary oppposites 

 ( friendship, betrayal, escape , family life, alienation, addiction , past v future , masculinity , responsibility v freedom, individuality v society, Renton v Begbie , Tommy v Renton , heroin v life.etc.).



You should focus here on the final sections  of the film and on Tommy's narrative and fate and particularly  Renton's attempts to escape and his final betrayal. Look at how film form is used to guide audience response and alignment in key scenes and the language used in the closing voiceover.

Is there a moral or message to Trainspotting or is it ambiguous about the themes , characters and how they are resolved  ? 

How does Renton match this ambiguous tine in his final voiceover and scene   ? Is life in general and his future shown to be totally positive and clear ?

London

Tommy's funeral

Sick boy's deal

Ending

Closing voiceover text 

TRAINSPOTTING : Close analysis of the overdose/withdrawal scenes

 

Focus on the Overdose and Withdrawal scenes below to answer the following question in a written report

Overdose

Withdrawal

 

How is film form  used in these scenes  to explore and develop the film's social/emotional / narrative themes and the  relationships between characters ? ( e.g the widespread nature of heroin use in Edinburgh, Renton's  emotions and  relationships with family and friends ) 

Look at some of these themes  in terms of binary oppositions  ( e.g Renton v Begbie , family v independence , heroin v life)  

TRAINSPOTTING : Opening analysis

 Analyse  how the key elements of film form  ( cinematography / editing/sound/mise-en-scene/performance) are used to introduce the films' narrative and approach to its social/emotional themes , characters, and messages of the film   in the opening of Trainspotting (up to the brief credit sequence )  

           OPENING SCENE 5 minutes )

OPENING SCENE ( with hints and tips)

Focus on elements such as camera movement and framing, pace and use of editing , use of music, lighting and colour, body language and posture , and the spoken word content .

OTHER QUESTIONS 

Are the themes and issues being dealt with seriously or humorously ? How is that supported by the use of film form and the role of Renton as the narrator and main character ?

Why do you think this approach to the film's issues and its use of film form was popular with a young British audience in the 1990s ?

PAPER 1 NEXT WEEK

EXAM PAPER LINK 

You will be completing the Paper 1 American Film  ( find it in the above link ) next week in lesson , and you can bring in any relevant notes.

Please plan for the exam and analyse the films for relevant scenes and examples of film form to support your points .

EDUQAS  SHORT GUIDES :          Casablanca

                                                         Bonnie and Clyde

                                                            Winter's Bone

HOLLYWOOD 1930-1990 Key text 2 : Bonnie and Clyde

 

Written analysis :    In what ways and to what extent  can Bonnie and Clyde be described as a " New Hollywood " film  ?

Consider date and context of production , content, themes such as sex and violence  , representation of gender,  tone and atmosphere of film, narrative ending , director/producer ,  stars  and casting , subversion of star's image , use of film form and  breaking/following  of rules of classical Hollywood style and demonstrating typical " New Hollywood" techniques

Make reference to  at least two scenes in detail  to support your points.  Openng and closing scenes are particularly effective.

( 800 words minimum )

NEW HOLLYWOOD : Key points

FOLLOW THIS LINK     FOR ESSENTIAL INFORMATION AND EXAMPLES OF NEW HOLLYWOOD.

Use the link above  ( it's the first post of the Bonnie and Clyde page ) and read thoroughly, including watching a selection of the New Hollywood films and the documentaries.

Write a summary of the key elements of New Hollywood and how it contrasts with the classical  Hollywood studio system . Thus should include the following :

1 Reasons for the start of " New Hollywood "

2  How and why the films were different from classical studio system films ( e.g themes, narrative endings violent content  , use of film form , classical style )

3   How was the role and creative influence of the director different from the studio system

Support your points with examples of films and directors.

Hollywood Studio System

TASK :  Summarise the key points about the Hollywood Studio system covering the following areas:

Structure :  which studios involved , timeline ,which stages of production they controlled , which staff were under contract   

Production and content :   the collaborative process,  quick factory production , following classical style, use of familiar and predicable genre conventions , studio " house" style and genres, role of censorship e.g  1934 Hayes Code in deciding content )  

Audience : huge size and global reach    

Role of director : under exclusive contract to studio , part of a creative team, limited creative control or influence , main job was to complete film on time and on budget 

Role of star : under exclusive contract to studio , limits to creative freedom and influence , control over private life , star persona created and controlled by studio  

Why it ended : legal case in 1948 breaking up the control over distribution , the rise of TV , changing audience tastes , the rise of European film challenging the studios' global domination , the rise of youth culture in the 1960s which the studios didn't understand.                                                                                                  

Casablanca : classical style summary

  Summarise  and explain ( with examples from Casablanca and other films of your choice where relevant ) the key conventions and "rules" of classical Hollywood style film form. Use the resources on the Casablanca and Film Form pages and our class discussion to help

This should cover the following elements :

Cinematography and lighting

( e.g matching eyelines, 180 degree rule , framing and shot types  for clear narrative ,consistent lighting, lighting to match mood )  

Editing 

( e.g cause and effect, invisible continuity editing , use of shot /reverse shot ,  3 act narrative structure , narrative resolution should be clear )

Mise-en-scene

( e,g should be "realistic " and consistent and support the narrative rather than dominate it.)

Sound

( e.g should match onscreen action ( synchronous) , support the narrative and the mood of the film, should create relevant and clear responses in audience e.g use of dramatic music )

Performance

( e,g should be "realistic " and consistent , character motivation should be clear and linear ) 

You can find some resources and more examples on the Casablanca  blog here

CASABLANCA : Film Form analysis 1

  INTRO TO  RICK'S BAR SCENE ( link)

Meeting Rick

End your analysis when we see Rick and before any conversation starts 

Analyse how the following elements of film form are used to create meaning and guide audience response ( understanding of narrative, setting,characters , plot, themes etc. ) in the  " Introduction to Rick's Bar " sequence.

Cinematography 

( use of camera shots, framing , camera movement and angles , lighting)

Editing 

( use and extent of transitions such as cuts or fades, order of scenes and shots, narrative structure )

Mise-en-scene

( background, props ,costume , objects etc.)

Sound

( use or absence of  music,sound effects, spoken word such as dialague/voiceover)

Performance

(casting, physical performance e.g posture, body language and expression , reaction to other characters or narrative etc. ) 

Publish your analysis on the blog by the end of the week. 

FIlm form explanation and scene analysis

Analyse in detail  two specific scenes from  films of your choice ( on youtube or streaming )  in terms of how they  use all of the  elements of film form to create mood and meaning for the audience.  Use specific shots and moments from the scenes and explore the possible reasons for the choices in film form and the affect on the audience in terms of understanding plot, character and creating an emotional response.    

Analyse how all of the following are used in your film scenes in detail with a range of examples :

Cinematography ( include examples of different shot types, angles, movement and lighting etc.)

Editing  ( shot to shot selection and structure, pace and order of cut or fades , matching eyelines  etc.)

Mise-en-scene ( choice and use of  setting, props,costumes etc.)

Sound  ( how diegetic and nondiegetic music, sound effects and spoken word are used to add mood and/or meaning)

Performance  ( nonverbal communication, body language etc.  by the actors )  

WELCOME

 Welcome to AS Film Studies ! 

This course will cover analysis of Hollywood cinema  from the 1940s to the present day  as well as  British and  European  cinema. You will also  the chance to plan and create your  own film production work.

                                             EXPECTATIONS

 A strong interest in film and  a willingness to explore new and  unfamiliar film genres and contexts.You will be expected to watch and analyse other films in your own time and complete extensive homework tasks.


Respect for the teacher and  all other students and the ability to listen to others

 Staying safe and helping others stay safe

 

BLOG INSTRUCTIONS

FIRST WRITTEN TASK

 Please complete a film review and analysis ( 500 words minimum)  of a film you have recently watched or are very familiar with. This must include the following.

Information and analysis of the film's genre and  use of generic conventions, characters,  plot  and any social or emotional themes in the film

Some initial  analysis of  film form and how it is used, These are key terms in  Film Studies  and we will be studying them in detail . Look at the following and try and include some examples :

Cinematography ( use of camera angles , framing and movement, lighting and colour )

Editing ( use and rhythm/speed of cuts and fades in key scenes ) 

Mise-en-scene ( props,costumes,set design,background and locations )

Sound  ( use of music /sound effects and spoken work and how they create mood and meaning for the audience )

Performance (the actors' non-verbal communication and importance of star/casting ) 




You  should refer in detail to at least two key scenes from the film.

DEADLINE :  Friday