do the right thing
The second film in the Component 1 study is Spike Lee's film, Do the Right Thing (1989). Please use the resources I have supplied you with and the film itself to prepare for the exam - either AS or AL.
The focus of AS includes micro-elements, narrative, representation, meaning and response and of course contexts. The AL is the same as AS but includes the Auteur study as well. This means that you can use ideas from the auteur study in your AS essay BUT you are unlikely to have a question which focused exclusively on an auteur approach to either film.
The focus of AS includes micro-elements, narrative, representation, meaning and response and of course contexts. The AL is the same as AS but includes the Auteur study as well. This means that you can use ideas from the auteur study in your AS essay BUT you are unlikely to have a question which focused exclusively on an auteur approach to either film.
some like it hot
essay for mondayExplore the representations of women in Some Like it Hot with specific reference to Monroe and the Male Gaze (Laura Mulvey) as well as looking at the ways in which the male characters react and respond to Josephine and Daphne.
Use analysed examples from the film to make each point. |
nea hwOverdue:
First draft screenplay for your short film idea
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Please complete the activities set in class last Monday.
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cAPTAIN FANTASTIC |
Unfortunately, the movie has been taken down from YouTube - which was expected - we were extremely lucky to catch it at exactly the right moment. However, there are many clips available and you can buy it on YouTube for £2.49.
The crucial thing for your half term is to work on the booklet, watching and analysing scenes. Considering the dual issues of Ideology and spectatorship and how they can be applied to the film. We have one more week with Captain Fantastic after the break before our next screening which is Some Like It Hot, (Wilder 1959) it would be a good idea for you to start researching the Hollywood Studio system in anticipation of this with a focus on the period between 1930 and 1960. Our focus for Some Like It Hot and the next film Do The Right Thing is the term auteur. This is another area which you might like to begin reading about. Who or what is an auteur? What language is it from? What does it mean literally? What does it mean in terms of film making? And of course how does the concept of the auteur fit with the Hollywood system? See you after the break. |
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ESSAY WEEK
Following on from the work you have completed so far in your study of La La Land, we are now into the essay week and you will need to apply your knowledge and understanding in some long form writing with a specific question in mind. I will be setting this on Monday and we will also be planning the structure in the lesson.
Apologies for not being in last Thursday but as those of you who saw me on the Monday probably realised, I was pretty unwell. I am recovering and will be in for Monday's lessons. Remember that on Thursday we will be beginning of viewing of Captain Fantastic.
Apologies for not being in last Thursday but as those of you who saw me on the Monday probably realised, I was pretty unwell. I am recovering and will be in for Monday's lessons. Remember that on Thursday we will be beginning of viewing of Captain Fantastic.
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LALALAND
Following on from today's viewing here are the tasks I'd like completed by Thursday.
- Create a character journey graph for Mia and Seb which charts their ups and down through the film independently and together. This is to help you grasp the whole narrative of the film.
- Create a revision resource for the conventions of musicals - could be a mind-map or presentation - best if it is something visual
- Researching the contexts (as per the plan below). This will mean in particular:
- Production context - how it was made and why it was shot primarily on location rather than in studio?
- Cultural and historical context: LA/Hollywood - you will need an understanding of the film from the perspective of contemporary culture as well as cultural reference - there are many film references, to help you there is a video below. Also consider the American Dream and the whole idea of the pursuit of dreams.
- There are social and political context too but these are less relevant to our study.
- Production context - how it was made and why it was shot primarily on location rather than in studio?
- Also consider the representation of LA as a city and as a character in the movie. It is not simply in the title, it means more than simply being a place that they filmed. Are there other films which celebrate a specific city?
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SPRING 1 TERM PLAN
The AL term plan is below. As you can see it is packed and there is a lot top get through. AS students will be working on their screenplay and digital storyboard during the first three week and complete this element of the NEA by half term, then join AL students for Captain Fantastic.
The second half of term is similarly packed to allow us to cover Some Like It Hot and Do The Right Thing by Easter. Absence will therefore present a problem and you will need to catch-up the work in your own time.
The second half of term is similarly packed to allow us to cover Some Like It Hot and Do The Right Thing by Easter. Absence will therefore present a problem and you will need to catch-up the work in your own time.
FURTHER REVISION
Your PPE this coming week will be on Thursday 11th during lesson time. Monday's lessons 1&2 will be devoted to preparing your for this exam. Please ensure that you come with your exercise books, any outstanding work including revised screenplays as we will work on these P3&4.
REVISION FOR PPE
Follow the presentation. Remember to focus on the key terminology and specific sequences for each film. This must include the opening sequence for both British films which I have included below for your convenience.
The best way to revise is to analyse scenes and sequences applying the key terminology accurately. If you are uncertain about terms please refer to the early lessons which are all on this site and make new revision cards.
Your exam will be in the first full week back and will last 90mins.
The best way to revise is to analyse scenes and sequences applying the key terminology accurately. If you are uncertain about terms please refer to the early lessons which are all on this site and make new revision cards.
Your exam will be in the first full week back and will last 90mins.
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final week of term
This weeks HW.
Outstanding work to be handed in on Monday (email before)
I am collecting in all your outstanding work as well, many of you have been excellent about sending me emails with work but some of you have been less forthcoming with HW. Below is a list of what I expect from you (some have already sent many of these things)
Monday's lessons will be devoted to clearing up all outstanding work and preparing your for the PPE in January.
- to write the treatment for your screenplay (this is the short story of everything that happens scene by scene written in continuous prose without dialogue (at all). It is likely to be a couple of sides long maybe 1000 words. Please do this on the computer, you can even do it in Celtx. The purpose is to solve all your story issues before re-writing your screenplay once more.
Outstanding work to be handed in on Monday (email before)
I am collecting in all your outstanding work as well, many of you have been excellent about sending me emails with work but some of you have been less forthcoming with HW. Below is a list of what I expect from you (some have already sent many of these things)
- Trainspotting context presentations
- Trainspotting scene analysis x 2
- Reviews of short films x 3
- Most recent draft of your screenplay
- Fish Tank essay
- Screenplay extract analysis
Monday's lessons will be devoted to clearing up all outstanding work and preparing your for the PPE in January.
TRAINSPOTTING
This week we watched Trainspotting (Boyle 1996) and had a brief discussion after the film about themes, genre and other elements. Next week we will begin the process of analysis of sequences.
You have already viewed and written about one sequence, you have created presentations on context and therefore know a great deal about the film already. Now you have watched it it is time to drill down into the sequences and explore the film using the micro-elements of film form, narrative, representation and context. For Thursday, I am expecting the three reviews, your improved screenplays and any outstanding work from those who have so far not completed all that they should. On Thursday we will work on Screenplays so please ensure that you have the latest version of these with you OR have emailed it to me in advance. If you email it and do not receive a response from me then it means that I didn't get it and you MUST find another way. |
Below you will find the clips you need for the analysis essay. The essay title is as follows:
Explain with reference to two sequences from the film Trainspotting (Boyle 1996) how the theme, narrative and representation are developed through the mise en scene, sound, editing and cinematography. The essay is due on Monday the 18th of December. OUTSTANDING WORK
Some of you have outstanding work to submit including:
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Watch the scene below and consider how this diatribe on being Scottish reflects the political, social and cultural context of Scotland in the early 1990s.
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week 12
The homework this week.
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TRAINSPOTTING
Week 11
Work due for Monday:
- Essays on Fish Tank
- Analysis of screenplay extract - of your choice
- Revised and improved original screenplay - (written by you)
Here are some resources to support your learning this weekend and in particular to help you complete the HWs for Thursday.
For the analysis HW Below I have added the screenplays for Black Swan (Aronofsky 2010) and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Kaufman 2003). Both excellent films with complex and intriguing screenplays. However, you should choose ones that are inspiring to you - they should be in a similar genre and you need only analyse a page or maximum two (as per the HW set) Ideally, you should show the page of screenplay on one side and the annotation and evaluation on the other. Use the language of film narrative to discuss the screenplay and identify its strengths visually and aurally, how it shows genre and narrative and develops character. |
Follow button link below to find your scripts for analysis.
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week 10
Disappointingly we were a very small class of four today. Which meant that we could do less than we hoped. I understand that some of you have been ill and that this is a legitimate reason for your absence but please for your own sake can you ensure that you go through the resources posted here AND write the essay which is titled below.
Essay (due next Monday)
Discuss how Fish Tank fits into the social realism ‘genre’. In what ways does it develop the genre and vary from the typical conventions? Make clear reference to micro-elements of film.
Essay (due next Monday)
Discuss how Fish Tank fits into the social realism ‘genre’. In what ways does it develop the genre and vary from the typical conventions? Make clear reference to micro-elements of film.
Please see below the Press-Kit for Fish Tank - all films have a press-kit which is sent to the media to help them when it comes to interviewing cast and director and so they know something about the background of the film.
Social realism in british film
IDEOLOGY IN BRITISH FILM
The concept of film as ideological involves exploring what ideologies are conveyed by a film as well as those which inform it which may, for example, reveal that a film reinforces or challenges dominant beliefs and attitudes within a society. You must study the following:
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HW for this week
Screenwriting:
Monday's lessons:
We will be using your presentations and knowledge organisers are a starting point to look at a specific sequence from Fish Tank. In addition we will be developing our essay writing skills and expanding on your EXTENDED PARAGRAPHS. Please ensure that these are on your Z drive or the media drive by Monday P1.
- Write a new screenplay (either developing your most recent 1-2 page effort OR completely new) which could be filmed locally.
- The screenplay should follow the brief given in the specification (see below)
- Your screen play needs to be 3-4 pages long, typed and in standard screenplay format.
- Due Thursday 23rd.
- Learn terms for test on Monday 20th.
- Using the link below (BFI) revise and improve your research into Fish Tank as a social realist film. In your presentation/knowledge organiser please add details and references to key social realist films and film makers.
- Expand research to include: an extended paragraph which discusses a key sequence in the film in terms of social context and narrative using the terms which you have begun to learn. Due Monday 20th.
Monday's lessons:
We will be using your presentations and knowledge organisers are a starting point to look at a specific sequence from Fish Tank. In addition we will be developing our essay writing skills and expanding on your EXTENDED PARAGRAPHS. Please ensure that these are on your Z drive or the media drive by Monday P1.
week 9 - 13th november
Sorry not to be with you. Here is your work for Monday the 13th.
Film study and research:
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Week 8 - 6th November
HW for Thursday
Thursday's lesson
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A reminder of what is expected for tomorrow's lesson (MONDAY 6TH NOVEMBER)
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for week 6
Please can you prepare a presentation about contexts for the film Pan's Labyrinth. We have discussed at length and in some detail the setting during 1944 after Franco had won the civil war but there were still pockets of resistance. To date we have only really dealt with the fantasy elements of the film. It is time now to engage with the real world. Use the study booklet to support your planning.
In your presentations explore the way in which Vidal and his soldiers are represented and also the way in which the rebels and those who support them are represented. You will need to consider all the aesthetic elements (film form: cinematography, mise-en-scene, sound and editing) as well as context of the time of production, context of the time of setting, comparison with other films which touch on the same period of history. Please spend approximately 2-3 hours on this, researching planning and then creating your presentation - you may use any presentation means including: powerpoint, prezi, video or anything else which you think is suitable. |
Please also make sure that you log in to my-plc and complete the first one on micro elements of film form.
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week 5
Today we worked on analysis of two key scenes from the film. The toad quest scene and the final sequence from Ofelia's death to the end. The clips and presentations are below. They will be modified and updated.
Please remember to bring with you your consolidation cards AND essay for Thursday.
Please remember to bring with you your consolidation cards AND essay for Thursday.
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HW
Please have the essay completed by next Thursday. remember that my expectation from you is a minimum of two hours work on this, possibly more and for you to really explore the way the meaning is created in the scene. This is an ambitious essay and I really just want you to do your best and have a go. There is information on the assessment page about marking criteria and objectives which may help.
Tip: research and take notes, plan first and then write. The writing itself should take you about 1 hour.
Tip: research and take notes, plan first and then write. The writing itself should take you about 1 hour.
week 4
Having screened the film we now have our first text to work on and I have given you a booklet to support your study. You HW this week was to work on the first three tasks in the booklet which includes research and analysis. I have added an online version of the booklet below as well as some clips for the Land and Freedom research/analysis task.
As we discussed, there is great significance in the use of props and the symbolic importance of mise-en-scene. There are many references to mythology throughout both Catholic(Christian) and pre-Christian and to literature. Shape, colour, texture and purpose all have a role in creating the rich tapestry of metaphor within the film. Part of you job is to ensure that you are confident about the intention of these references and how they play within the narrative and reflect upon our viewing experience.
As we discussed, there is great significance in the use of props and the symbolic importance of mise-en-scene. There are many references to mythology throughout both Catholic(Christian) and pre-Christian and to literature. Shape, colour, texture and purpose all have a role in creating the rich tapestry of metaphor within the film. Part of you job is to ensure that you are confident about the intention of these references and how they play within the narrative and reflect upon our viewing experience.
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week 3/4
Sound and editing
Consolidate your learning by creating revision cards for each term for each of these micro-elements of film form.
You should have separate sets for cinematography, mise-en-scene, sound and editing. Each card should be for a different term or group of terms and on the reverse you should explain what is meant by the term and an example. You might even add a YouTube link - something you can search up quickly and easily. Next week we will begin watching Pan's Labyrinth. On the right I have provided a sheet with important information which I would like you to read. Your Autumn 1 assessment will be based on an exam style question about your study of Pan's Labyrinth and therefore reading this information will be pertinent and relevant to your assessment. I have also reviewed what I think you need to ensure sound organisation of work and feel strongly that you would benefit from folders. I will give you these on Monday along with a variety of other materials. You may keep the folders in class and will at time take them home for study. This way, I believe you will not risk losing your work and it will be easily to consolidate over time. |
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Week 3
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week 2
Please find below everything you need to get going with this weeks film studies HW.
What I expect to see on Monday
Watch the rest of the editing documentary - make notes on the most important details (not facts or dates but ideas and techniques). Watch a film from the period 1930-1960 - 2 of you have already seen It's a Wonderful Life, the others should too or another film. Read the Eduqas Film Studies A level specification (below) Read the first 30 pages of Vertigo screenplay (link below) + another, I will give you a choice. Sound like a lot but you have already had a week. |
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Welcome to Film Studies A level
Congratulations on choosing Film Studies - you have made an excellent choice of subject in a department that regularly gets amongst the best results at A level in the school. The course is a mixture of academic study and creative expression - it fits well with English Literature and Art or Photography. with History and social sciences too. It will develop you written expression and give you the tools to discuss visual media and in particular film with confidence and skill. It is a course to broaden your world view, enhance your cultural capital and give you an advantage in university applications. It is also a course to develop your independence and ability to think for yourselves. HW (set Monday) •Rewatch ‘toilet scene’ from Trainspotting •Analyse and write about the cinematography and mise-en scene. •Discuss how meanings are created Specification Below is the specification. |