Exam 1 Flashcards
What are the two main types of political films?
Pure Political Films and Auteur Political Films
Pure Political Films have an obvious political nature, while Auteur Political Films convey political meaning through symbolism.
What defines a Socially Reflective Film?
Films that avoid overt political messages but still reflect political contexts. Still reflects politics in someway because the setting is political.
Examples include Wall-E, Pretty Woman, and Pleasantville.
What are Politically Reflexive Films?
Films that mirror popular ideas, often found in genres like gangster and crime movies
These films reflect societal concerns and cultural phenomena.
What does ‘Fantastic Displacement’ refer to in monster movies?
The idea that monster movies symbolize deeper societal fears rather than just depicting monsters
Examples include fears of technology and aliens.
How has public trust in government changed from 1958 to 2015?
In 1958, 3/4 trusted the government; by 2015, only 1/4 did
This shift reflects changing perceptions of government in society.
How are politicians typically portrayed in films?
As either villains or heroes, lacking nuanced representation
This portrayal often ignores the complexities of real human characteristics.
Why should we care about the political messages in films?
Films influence public opinion, political behavior, and social patterns
People often engage with films more than they do with actual government.
What role do films play in political socialization?
They educate audiences about political issues and events
Movies can shape knowledge and behavior, especially among elites.
Fill in the blank: Older films provide insight into ______ and ______ roles in society.
gender; racial
These portrayals reflect societal norms and values of the time.
True or False: Films often present power as a positive and uncorrupting influence.
False
Power is frequently depicted as corrupting and associated with greed.
What is the impact of less overt political messages in films?
More likely to be received by people with differing views
Subtle messages allow for broader audience engagement.
What can movies spark in society regarding political topics?
Public debate and media interest
Films can catalyze discussions on significant issues.
Why do people self-select movies?
To align with their own beliefs and preferences
This behavior affects how films are received and interpreted.
What does ‘conception’ refer to in the filmmaking process?
The idea of making a film.
How do smaller films typically differ from big-budget projects in terms of political messaging?
Smaller films are more likely to contain overt and/or intentional political messages.
What is the major role of a movie’s producer?
To ensure its financial viability.
What was the average advertising and promotion cost for a studio picture in 2007?
$36 million.
How do banks, insurance companies, and individual investors influence movie production?
They tend to be conservative and invest accordingly.
What risk do political controversies being put in movies pose for movie producers?
They risk alienating ticket-buyers aligned on the other side of an issue.
How can the timing of a movie’s release be influenced?
By its relevance to current political events.
What has made it easier for independent filmmakers to develop political projects?
The collapse of the studio system and increased access to high-quality digital technology.
What is the relationship between movie production and ideological messaging?
Most movies are produced based on their ability to make money, leading to debate about ideological motives.
Fill in the blank: The _______ provides the basic content of a movie including subject matter and characters.
[screenplay]
Why are courtroom scenes significant in political films?
They demand direct addresses that can provide incisive language and drama.
What does ‘genre’ refer to in filmmaking?
A class of films with conventional settings, characters, and plots.
What is the oldest and most commonly invoked genre that reflects American values?
The American western.
What is ‘personalization’ in the context of political movies?
Focusing on individual dramas of politically active roles.
What does ‘sugarcoating’ refer to in political films?
Using extremely generic terms to defuse possible political controversy.
What is the director’s role in a film?
The single most important contributor to a movie’s final artistic impact.
What are the two major approaches to direction in filmmaking?
Realism and formalism.
True or False: Realism in filmmaking seeks to distort objective reality.
False.
What types of music are used in movies?
Original music and soundtrack music.
What does ‘composition’ refer to in filmmaking?
The construction of movie scenes and the placement of people and objects in the frame.
What is ‘cinematography’?
The photography techniques used in movies, including lighting and camera angles.
What stereotype is often associated with political figures in films?
Male, white, middle-aged, overweight, self-important, not very bright.
Who do stereotypical underdog characters often represent?
Those struggling against ‘the system’ or ‘the political establishment.’
How do political films affect audience perception?
They can help understand and cope with fears and social issues.
Fill in the blank: Filmmakers argue that mass entertainment cannot depart too far from the _______.
[tastes and beliefs of the masses]
What do many financially successful films seem to be ‘caused’ by?
External social and political conditions
How can films be interpreted in relation to social representation?
As a struggle of representation over how to construct a social world and everyday life
Why do popular films retain the power to shape political attitudes?
Because the possibility for persuasion is greatest when one is least aware that political messages are being communicated
What do all films transmit, regardless of their content?
Ideas of political importance
Why do critics group movies into genres?
For the purpose of comparison and discussion
What is a notable characteristic of political films in terms of genre?
They do not fit into a unique, recognizable genre and often illustrate hybrid and multi-generic classifications
What problematic conceptual issue arises when discussing filmmakers’ intent?
Many Hollywood films result from a group filmmaking process, making it inaccurate to talk about a single filmmaker’s political intentions
What is the ‘death of the author’ perspective in film criticism?
The belief that the political motives of the creators are ultimately irrelevant to the meaning and effects of a film on its audience
What do Nimmo and Combs refer to with ‘fantastic displacement’?
Placing fantasies of an age in a melodramatic setting that mediates the political fantasy for a mass audience
How do people form their ideas about politicians?
Through experience, the news media, and the process of political socialization
What is the cinematic portrayal of politics and politicians usually like?
Almost invariably negative
What do movies often tell us about the political system?
Whether it works and can solve our problems
How is power typically treated in movies?
Almost always treated negatively
What do movies spark in relation to specific issues?
Public debate and/or media interest
What does the conception of a film refer to?
The idea of making a film
The idea can come in various ways, and fewer people working on the film can lead to clearer messaging.
What is the primary job of a producer in film production?
To ensure the project is financially viable (budget, expenses)
Producers typically focus on commercial aspects rather than artistic ones.
What effect might a conservative producer have on a film project?
They may avoid projects that minimize profits and steer clear of political content
This often leads to a lack of politics in major films, as seen in examples like Transformers and Lord of the Rings.
What is the common perception of Hollywood’s political stance?
Hollywood is perceived as liberal
This is contrasted with the backing of political content by noncable TV, which relies on subscriptions.
What are some subtle conservative values often embedded in films?
Promoting individualism
Films frequently prioritize profit, influencing their messaging.
What does genre in film typically refer to?
Conventional settings, characters, and plots
Examples include Westerns, romantic comedies, horror movies, and action films.
What is the goal of a genre for filmmakers?
To attract an audience familiar with the genre
For viewers, it allows them to briefly experience the world created by the film.
What does the term ‘auteur director’ refer to in filmmaking?
A director whose personal vision dominates the film
The term originates from French, meaning ‘author.’
What are the two major approaches to film direction?
Realism and formalism
Realism duplicates reality, while formalism emphasizes aesthetic form and symbol.
What is the purpose of personalization in political films?
(think good girls)
To present political topics through specific political figures
This approach makes political content more relatable.
What is sugarcoating in the context of political films?
Covering up political themes with another genre
Examples include films like Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz.
What role does casting play in conveying political messages in films?
Casting can reinforce stereotypes or challenge social attitudes
Casting against type can create a specific effect.
What are tent pole films?
Films that bring in significant revenue
Examples include Toy Story 3, Avatar, and X-Men.
What challenge do filmmakers face regarding political content in films?
Balancing artistic expression with commercial viability
This often leads to formulaic films with low political content.
How can films influence political socialization?
They can shape views through family, religion, peer groups, and media
Films can also affect fashion, music, and cultural trends.
What happens if a film is too overt in its political messaging?
It can be seen as propaganda
Fill in the blank: The director is often considered the most important contributor to the _______ impact of a film.
[artistic]
What year did local authorities first establish censor boards for films?
1907
What was the primary concern of local authorities regarding movies in the early 1900s?
Lack of regulation and moral decline
In New York City, what age restriction was placed on minors attending movies without an adult?
Under 16
What was the first state to establish a censorship board?
Pennsylvania in 1911
Which state established the second censorship board and in what year?
Ohio in 1913
Between which years did films not fall under the First Amendment?
1915-1952
What was the legal ruling regarding films as businesses prior to 1952?
Films were ruled as spectacles and not protected by the First Amendment
What case reversed the ruling that films were not protected by the First Amendment?
Burstyn vs. Wilson in 1952
Why did films not resist censorship prior to the 1950s?
They lacked the financial resources to retaliate
What organization was created in 1909 to review films before government intervention?
National Board of Review
What decade saw increased criticism of films, largely from religious groups?
1920s
What incident in 1921 reinforced criticism from religious groups?
The trial of Fatty Arbuckle
What happened to the actress Vir at Fatty Arbuckle’s party?
She died and Arbuckle was falsely accused of killing her
What significant motion picture regulation was created in 1930?
The Motion Picture Code
What illegal practice was identified in the 1930s regarding film distribution?
Block booking
What was the outcome of the Paramount antitrust case in 1948?
Re-examination of block booking practices and also enforced its ban.
The ban was already enacted but wasn’t enforced.
What is the primary goal of the genre for filmmakers?
To get an audience interested in the film
Audiences recognize genre cues and are drawn to films that fit their expectations.
What do genres tell us about societies?
They tell us about cultural beliefs
Genres reflect the values and norms of the time in which they are created.
What is the effect of personalization in political films?
It shows political topics through a specific political person
This approach makes the political narrative more relatable and engaging.
What does sugarcoating refer to in the context of political films?
Covering up politics with another genre
Examples include films like ‘Gone with the Wind’ and ‘The Wizard of Oz’ that incorporate political themes within a romantic or fantastical narrative.
What is an allegory in film?
A narrative that uses symbolic figures and actions to convey deeper meanings
Allegories often address political or moral issues indirectly. WAS DONE IN WIZARD OF OZ
What does ‘The Unlabeled bottle’ concept refer to?
Politics without explicit political labels
Characters are not identified as republican or democrat, allowing audiences to interpret their behavior.
What is ambivalence in film narratives?
Giving various sides something to applaud
This approach can make all sides of a conflict seem reasonable or foolish.
Why might certain political topics become ‘safe’ in films?
They reflect changing societal norms, such as women’s roles in ‘Good Girls’
This film challenges the traditional idea of the stay-at-home mom.
How are villains often portrayed in films?
As over-the-top characters that the audience cannot identify with
This exaggeration makes them less relatable and more of a caricature.
Who is considered the most important contributor to the artistic impact of a film?
The director
The director’s vision and choices significantly shape the final product.
