COMP 1 - American cinema

Question 1

The American Dream

Answer 1

An American ideal of a happy, successful life, which often includes wealth, a house, a better life for one’s children, and for some, the ability to grow up to be president.

Question 2

Quotes about protest

Answer 2

‘The power of peaceful protest’ David Oyelowo
‘We negotiate, we demonstrate, we resist’

Question 3

Civil rights movement

Answer 3

movement in the United States beginning in the 1960s and led primarily by Blacks in an effort to establish the civil rights of individual Black citizens

Question 4

Production context

Answer 4

context
Production studios- Plan B- Brad Pitt
Harpo Productions- Oprah Winfrey

Question 4

Context- 2014

Answer 4

Michael Brown was shot in an event that occurred on August 9, 2014, in Ferguson, Missouri, a northern suburb of St. Louis. He was an 18-year-old black man, was a suspect in a “strong-arm” robbery of a convenience store. He was fatally shot by Darren Wilson, a 28-year-old white police officer.

Question 5

Dramatic reinterpretation

Answer 5

Favour history for drama- alter history in chronological order
national news did not broadcast the attack until 5 hours later
Adapting reality- not linear, alter history for drama and impact

Question 5

What is the opening scene of Selma focused on?

Answer 5

Critique on systematic, patriarchal society and MLK’s portrayal

Question 5

Indie film

Answer 5

a film produced by a small, independent company

Question 5

mainstream film

Answer 5

Films that are created for profit, have a higher budget, and appeal to a wide audience.

Question 5

David Oyelowo quotes

Answer 5

‘the power of peaceful protest in light of what is going on in the world today is a wonderful thing to see how important the vote is’
‘Thought Provoking… social action and social response’

Question 6

What is the significance of MLK’s portrayal in the opening scene of Selma?

Answer 6

Promotion of meritocratic value and raising white consciousness

Question 6

How does Ava Duvernay present MLK in the opening scene of Selma?

Answer 6

As a ‘man not a myth’ with public and private personas

Question 7

Frances Ha Opening Scene: Introduction of Frances and Sophie

Answer 7

In the opening scene of Frances Ha, both Frances and Sophie are introduced in the same shot at an equal distance to the audience, creating ambiguity about the protagonist. This reflects Frances’ perspective and her deep connection to Sophie.

Question 7

How does the opening scene of Selma introduce the audience to MLK?

Answer 7

Through a soundbridge, close-up shots, and code-switching

Question 7

What visual techniques are used in the opening scene of Selma to depict MLK?

Answer 7

Low-key lighting, shot reverse-shot, and spatio-temporal attachment

Question 8

Frances Ha Opening Scene: Cinematic Influences

Answer 8

The black and white filter in the opening scene of Frances Ha pays homage to the 1979 film Manhattan by Woody Allen and the French New Wave movement, particularly Jean-Luc Godard’s ‘A Bande a Part’. The use of location shooting and brechtian techniques adds to the cinema verite style.

Question 9

Frances Ha Opening Scene: Sound and Music

Answer 9

The opening scene of Frances Ha relies on ambient sound before introducing the soundtrack, creating a playful and childish atmosphere. The banjo music parallels Frances’ idealization of Sophie, reflecting Frances’ arrested development and unreliable narration.

Question 9

Frances Ha Opening Scene: Themes and Narration

Answer 9

The opening scene of Frances Ha reflects Frances’ attempt to recreate a perfect memory with Sophie, showcasing her idealization and the theme of nostalgia. Baumbach’s use of Metz theory enhances the dream-like quality of the scene.

Question 10

Extra-diegetic

Answer 10

Existing outside the world of the story.

Question 10

intra-diegetic

Answer 10

existing within the world of the story

Question 10

Frances Ha music

Answer 10

The music of Georges Delerue is used from French New Wave films and it sets the fast paced youthful optimism establishing the similarities between the films.