Jordan Ilan A-Level Film Studies

How to write a comparative essay for 1 A ·          COMPONENT 1 Section A: Hollywood 1930-1990 (comparative study) is the only essay which directly invites you to compare and contrast the 2 films you have studied ·          There will be a choice of 2 questions , from which you will choose 1. ·          You will need to write an introduction which directly addresses the question and generally introduces the films studies   ·          Aim for 3 long paragraphs which are structured around relevant arguments. Analysis of both films will be compared/contrasted in each paragraph. ·          Use topic sentences to: ▪      Relate directly to the question ▪      Introduce key argument in terms of both films ▪    ...

Vertigo: Opening Titles Scene: - Woman eyes - Famous for being antagonist in Hitchcock films - Notion of looking - Eyes - Being watched -> similar to Psycho after Marion is murdered / key motif of Hitchcock films - auteur - Titles were a feature - Pre-cursor to Bond -> sets up the story + create intrigue as the audience asks questions - Integral part of setting up the film - Shapes used to make audience dizzy -> reflects Scottie's vertigo -> spiral also links to Scottie being on a downward spiral - Swirls = dizzying + captivating -> rare technology for this time period so audience were intrigued - Music is very dramatic -> hooks/grabs the attention of the audience -> emphasises watching a Hitchcock film -> Hitchcock as an auteur: wanted to make pure cinema, used elements of cinema to create a visceral reaction from his audience - Heightens vulnerability Police falling off roof scene: - Heights - Vulnerability - The way the scene is shot when Sco...