Jordan Ilan A-Level Film Studies

Performance: Notes from the Exam Board Performance can be analysed within film from a variety of different perspectives; depending on what the focus of analysis is. Performance is looking closely at how the actor physically portrays the on-screen character  - e.g. looking at stance of character -> what does it tell us about character within the scene?  - facial expression -> what does it tell us about character within scene?  - delivery of dialogue - what does it tell us about character within scene? Performance: Principal elements - P erformance styles in cinema (including method and improvisatory styles) - Significance of casting - Significance of interaction between actors   - Use of non-verbal communication (e.g. physical expression and vocal delivery) Performance as a creative collaboration  - Relationship between performance & cinematography.  - Role of directing as a 'choreography' of stage movement  Conveying messages and values  - How perf

Timing: - 2h 30m + ET (37 1/2m) = 3h 7 & a 1/2m - given 16 page answer book to answer Section A: Global Film (City of God/Pan's Labyrinth) - 40 Mark Question - Choice of two questions Example questions: With close reference to the two films you have studied, explore how either performance or mise-en-scène create meaning. [40] With close reference to the two films you have studied, explore how either editing or sound create meaning. [40] Section B: Documentary Film (20,000 Days on Earth) - 20 Mark Question - Choice of two questions Example questions: Apply one filmmaker's theory of documentary film you have studied to your chosen documentary. How far does this increase your understanding of the film? [20]  'Portable, digital cameras, digital sound recording equipment and non-linear digital editing have had a very significant impact on documentary film.' How far has digital technology had an impact on your chosen documentary film? [20] Section C: Si

Timing: 2h 30m + ET (37 1/2 min) = 3h 7 & 1/2m - given 16 page answer book to answer Section A: Hollywood 1930-1990 (Vertigo/Do The Right Thing) - compare one film from each group - 40 Mark Question - Choice of 2 questions Example Q's: Compare how far your chosen films reflect the auteur signature features of their filmmakers. [40] Compare how far your chosen films reflect their different production contexts. [40] Section B: American Film Since 2005 (No Country For Old Men/Beasts Of The Southern Wild) - 40 Mark Question - Choice of 2 questions Example Q's: How far do your chosen films demonstrate a constant shift between passive and active spectatorship? Refer in detail to at least one sequence from each film. [40] How far do your chosen films demonstrate the importance of visual and soundtrack cues in influencing spectator response? Refer in detail to at least one sequence from each film. [40] Section C: British Film since 1995 (Trainspotting and Shaun O

Performance analysis in Pan's Labyrinth: two scenes case study Two different scenes to analyse - first: identity theme/representation/meaning of the scene - second: make notes on how characters within scene portray these themes/represntations/meaning based on their performance - Look at stance of character; what does it tell us about them - Facial expression: what does it tell us about character within scene - Delivery of the dialogue: what does it tell us about character within scene Cinematography: Scene 3 Scene: introduction of Vidal to Ofelia Theme/representation/meaning: showing the tension between the two characters - Ofelia visibly shaken when Vidal moves her hand, her shoulders shuddering conveys that her stance is shaken by the fear of Vidal as Ivana Baquero's performance represents that Ofelia feels threatened by Vidal and refuses to accept him as her father. Her facial expression however remains still though which depicts that Ofelia knows she has to

Pan's Labyrinth: Representations in the Pale Man & the Hunting Scene Task: - Watch key scenes from Pan's Labyrinth and pick two scenes and analyse them as in much depth with micro-elements discussing the type of representation (politcal? religious? critique on fascism? gender? social?) Scene 1: Pale Man Representation - critique on fascism: - The Pale Man is conveyed as a fascist like leader (Vidal) as the Pale Man is a symbol for brutal oppression in Ofelia's world as he is an obstacle preventing Ofelia from completing her task which juxtaposes with Vidal oppressing the people in Spain (such as Mercedes) under the fascist regime and prevents them from showing an outward display of their belief against fascism. - The duality of the two worlds allows Del Toro to criticise society by showing the evil nature of these characters; the pale man's frightening appearance mirrors Vidal's personality. They also both kill innocent people and are both blind

To what extent is Pan's Labyrinth a political film? Does the film have a political message and, if so, what is it? - Pan's Labyrinth has a political message due to its context of being set during the era of Fascism after the Spanish Civil War has concluded (early 40's). Del Toro presents that the political message that fascism is a danger and a threat to the citizens of Spain and is a harsh imposing regime that uses brutality in order to assert its power over its subjects. - Pan's Labyrinth is a political film to a large extent as politics shape many of the films main scenes: - Captain Vidal is presented as a Franco-like character (the Nationalists leader in real life) with his harsh brutality emphasised throughout the film; Vidal shooting the two men in the hunting scene conveys the fascists lack of respect for anyone who isn't committed to their regime. - The juxtaposition of Ofelia's fantasy and real world life also conveys the political message that fa

Pan's Labyrinth Context Why are films made: - Political reasons - Inform people of events occurring in the world - To make money - To earn awards How are different types of films made: - Hollywood studios: aiming for commercial audience - Independent studios: less restrictions/more control Films & their contexts: - Films are depictions of people/places/events, reflect values & culture of society that produces them. - All circumstances that a film was produced in & shape its reception are a film's context - A study of context looks at when/where/how/why film is set where it is (time/place/circumstances) - Study of context focuses more on appropriate context of when films were made, as opposed to set (Pan's Labyrinth is a reflection of 2005 society) There are different kinds of context that need to be considered when studying & analysing films: Social: - A look at the relevant society's dominant attitudes & beliefs including

Aesthetics Introduction & the use of Aesthetics in Pan's Labyrinth Aesthetics - General Information: - Key elements of film form (cinematography/editing/mise-en-scene/performance/sound) help to establish a film's aesthetics - Aesthetics refers to the style, look and mood of a film as styled by the film's key elements. This provokes pleasure as it provides a sensory spectacle. - To study film aesthetics is to ask questions about all aspects in the film (e.g. lighting, music, camera movement, set design, editing rhythm) that are primarily there to offer texture to the film. Film aesthetics questions - take note of when analysing a film's aesthetics: • Analysing aesthetics starter questions: – How  are the elements of film form used to create aesthetic effect in this sequence? – Does the beauty of this moment in the film also propel the narrative forward? – Does the narrative pause to allow the spectator to appreciate the aesthetic qualities of the film? –