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