introduction to film studies

Introduction to Film Studies

Lesson Objectives: To introduce key Film Studies concepts.

Watch the film extract.

What aspects of the extract might you analyse?

Frameworks for analysis

• Representation Refers to the processes of constructing images of different people, places and ideas in films.

• Messages and values Refers to the way messages and values are communicated to film audiences.

• Genre Refers to the process of classifying films as being of one type or another by audiences andinstitutions, for example, 'horror' or 'action adventure'. Generic codes and conventions are employed in the construction of films, enabling the audience to label and categorise them.

• Narrative Refers to the development of a ’story’, the roles and relationships of the characters within it, the situations and dilemmas they confront and the methods utilised for problem-solving within narratives.

• Theme Refers to the overarching ideas conveyed in a film. Examples of common film themes include moral dilemmas, conflict, racism, love, betrayal and redemption.

• Style Refers to the deployment of techniques in film production – for example the use of chiaroscuro lighting in film noir.

• Authorship This refers to different conceptualisations of authorship – this can be applied to directors, producers, cinematographers, sound designers and stars together with the influence of different types of film companies and production studios.

Micro-technical elements

• Cinematography - the use of camera shots, angle, movement, composition, and lighting.• Editing - the organisation of sequences to construct meaning. This should include transition of image and sound, continuity and non-continuity systems, cutting (shot/reverse shot, eyeline match, graphic match, action match, jump cut, crosscutting, parallel editing, cutaway, insert).• Sound - diegetic and non-diegetic sound, synchronous/asynchronous sound, sound effects, sound motifs, sound bridge, dialogue, voiceover, mode of address/direct address, sound mixing, sound perspective, and soundtrack (score, incidental music, themes and stings, ambient sound).• Mise-en-Scène - production design, location, studio, set design, costume and make-up, properties, colour design, casting.

Contemporary English Language Film

This is an exam topic. You answer one question from a choice of two, analysing two films in relation to a key concept. You must refer to both films in your answer, and be able to explain how technical elements construct the specified concept using specific examples from the films.

Foundation Portfolio in Film

The first element of your coursework is to write an essay of between 1500-2000 words comparing two contemporary English language films.

You must choose two contemporary (no later than 2004) English language films of similar genres.

The texts should not include more than one film produced in Hollywood.

Candidates must use different core texts from those studied in Unit F631: Film Text and Context.

In your essay you will compare the two films in relation to one or more of the key concepts, supported with reference to the technical elements.

Frameworks for analysis

• Representation• Messages and values• Genre

• Narrative

• Theme

• Style

• (Authorship)

Watch the extract again and focus on one of the bullet points.

What points could you make about the film sequence in relation to that concept?

Remember to try to support your points with reference to specific examples from the 4 technical areas.

Frameworks for analysis

• Representation• Messages and values• Genre

• Narrative

• Theme

• Style

• (Authorship)

Watch the second extract and focus on the same bullet point.

What points could you make about the film sequence in relation to that concept?

Remember to try to support your points with reference to specific examples from the 4 technical areas.

Frameworks for analysis

• Representation• Messages and values• Genre

• Narrative

• Theme

• Style

• (Authorship)

What are the similarities and differences between the films in relation to the key concept you focused on?

Remember to try to support your points with reference to specific examples from the 4 technical areas.

Contemporary English Language Film Exam Topic

‘Super 8’ (J.J. Abrams, USA, 2011) ‘Moonrise Kingdom’ (Wes Anderson, USA, 2012)

You will need to build up background information about the two films including reviews, interviews, critical analysis, etc.

Homework - Genre

‘Super 8’ (J.J. Abrams, USA, 2011) ‘Moonrise Kingdom’ (Wes Anderson, USA, 2012)

Focus on one of the two and films and complete research into the film’s genre. Identify examples of similar films from within that genre, and consider what the typical characteristics of the genre are.