Exam techniques and criteria Paper 2(Section A & B) Flashcards
What does Section A of paper 2 focus on? Which films?
How many questions does this involve +marks?
How must you answer the question?
How long should you spend on this?
-Contemporary British and US films.
-The films are Guardians of the Galaxy and Ex Machina.
-1 question that is 35 marks providing a choice of two.
-Question will always involve the comparison of the two films. Focus on representations (how they are constructed through film form, narrative and genre) , contexts, viewing conditions for spectators.
-50 minutes
What is always required in section A of paper 2 in reference to significance of digitality in film and new cinema possibilities?
Name some examples of these?
- Must bring in critical debates on the significance of digital in film and the new possibilities for cinema.
:
-How 3D/4D/IMAX means that we will pay money to go a see big Hollywood, franchised spectacle films like GOFG
-The emergence of ‘prosumerism’ the consumer now becomes the producer because of ease of filming on new digital cameras and free marketing and distribution platforms. Films like Ex Machina are able to be explored.
-The issue of streaming / downloading films means we won’t pay extortionate prices for cinema tickets
-The proliferation of on-demand streaming services has changed viewing habits.
How can you draw on the critical debates of auteurism in Section A of paper 2?
If the question is on developments in digital technology what would you talk about?
-Can James Gunn (GOTG) be an auteur if he is controlled by a franchise? GOTH - MARVEL - DISNEY = conglomerate ownership!
-Eric Garner, definitely Auteur (Ex Machina). Evident in previous work …
-Regarding digital technology developments you should know each films chain stage;
Production(How has spectacle developed more so?),
Distribution (think about platforms / devices - on demand services)
Exhibition (think about viewing conditions)
What are you required to detail throughout the response of section A paper 2?
Although you may include marketing in your response what must the focus remain on?
How should you begin the response?
-How do we now consume film differently because of digital technology?
-You should know when both films were made, how they were distributed and where they are now?
-Think about the viewers’ response depending on the viewing conditions what impact does this have?
-For both films have textual examples that show the influence of the franchise (GOFG) or the director (both), what about other key players, like a cinematographer?
-Don’t forget the importance of genre, fandoms, narrative structures, active and passive audiences
-You can discuss marketing but your main focus should be on production / distribution (depending on the choice of questions)
-For this response start with a discussion on the industry and then go into textual analysis of sequences from the film to backup your points
What does Section B of paper 2 focus on? Which films?
How many questions does this involve +marks?
How must you answer the question?
How long should you spend on this?
-Section B of paper 2 focuses on the film median of Documentary.
-It contains 1 question worth 35 marks with a choice between 2.
-This should be an extended response. Questions will focus on representations (how they are constructed through film form, narrative and the generic conventions of documentary filmmaking) , contexts, and spectatorship.
- Should spend 50 mins.
What must you express in regards to realistic nature of the film in Section B of paper 2?
Whose theories must be included? Conventions? Context?
-In this section you should be ready to debate representations of reality and claims of naturalism and realism.
-You must discuss narrative - how is this story told and in which mode(s).
-You must also bring in the ideas of Grierson and Penne baker and what relevance their ideas have on Stories We Tell.
-You should analyse what conventions of documentary are apparent (in relation to the question)
-What context (why) was the film made and how does that have impact on the meaning it is encoded with?
Who was Grierson? What did he explore?
Explain what his theories of film.
-Grierson was one of the first documentary makers that explored what the form of film was.
-He believed that the ‘real’ world has more effect than the fictional.
-Documentary is an art form but shouldn’t be imposed by a filmmaker.
-Realist documentaries have social responsibility.
“Making poetry where no poet has gone before.”
“Revealing the truth.”
-These points above are of course juxtaposed with the selected footage and interpretations of the texts
