Section B: American Film since 2005 (two film study)

Q: Discuss how important cinematography is in creating a powerful response in the spectator. Refer in detail to at least one sequence from each film. [40] ​

Time allocated – 50 mins

This will be done in class with access to your chosen film clips.

You will have the equivalent of ONE lesson to prepare a plan.

Consider the question:

• THINK: What do you think about the Question?
• Are there any KEY words?
• What do you think are the PITFALLS that you need to avoid.

Pre-mortem: A pre–mortem, or premortem, is a managerial strategy in which a project team imagines that a project or organization has failed, and then works backward.

• Why might you FAIL at this task?

Consider Slides 3 of the Week 7 Power point.

Define Cinematography. (5 mins) Explain to someone.

EXAM BOARD SAYS… (REFER TO POWER POINT WEEK 7 – ‘Tackling an exam question’.

• In band 3, responses will consider how cinematography might create a response in the spectator by close reference to sequences from the films studied.
• In bands 4 and 5, analysis and evaluation of the importance of cinematography will be more precise, detailed and sophisticated. ​
• In bands 4 and 5, responses will develop more complex explanations of how and why cinematography may, or may not be, important in influencing spectators’ responses and may question the idea of film ‘creating’ a response. ​
• Responses in band 3 are likely to focus more on one film whereas responses in bands 4 and 5 will be more even and balanced in their approach. ​
• Band 5 responses may recognise that spectators do not always respond in the way that they are encouraged to by the use of cinematography. They may discuss the complex interaction between film and spectator by providing sophisticated reasons for this.

Re- read Week 4 Powerpoint (Cinematography)

Go to the M-Drive and look for a sequence (a scene) which has enough in it to sustain about 3-4 points.

CONSIDER THIS from the Exam board:

-An analysis and EVALUATION of the importance of cinematography​

-Remember that you can always argue against or debate the question​

-A low level response would simply cite examples of the use of cinematography from both films.