Details

No Comparison Required!

Assessment Objectives

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Films

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Component 2a requires you to write for 60 minutes about two films.
You must write about both of your chosen films, but no comparison is required.
You should write about one film for about 30 minutes, then write about the other film for about 30 minutes.
At its heart, Component 2a is all about the Key Elements Of Film Form. It is the only Component without a Specialist Study Area and while the question may allude to Aesthetics, Contexts Of Film or Representation your answer should be firmly rooted in discussion of:
One possibility in Component 2a is a question based on Aesthetics.
It is important to remember that Aesthetics is simply the combined effect of Cinematography, Sound, Editing, Mise-en-scène and Performance. It is, however, useful to give the aesthetic of each film a name — the "fairy-tale" aesthetic of Pan's Labyrinth, for example, or the "divisive" aesthetic of Parasite. </aside>

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Your answer should be organised around key sequences from your chosen film(s).
Points should make repeated reference to the directors’ intentions and the effect on audience.
You should use technical terminology precisely and as frequently as possible.
References to the use of key elements in key sequences must be precisely described and identifiable to the examiner:

The close-up of Captain Vidal’s face reflected in the mirror as he shaves forces the audience to look directly into the eyes of Ofelia’s murderer. The cold blues and greys of the shot suggest a character devoid of empathy or human emotion.
If asked to discuss a film's "themes", ensure you give the theme a name:

The theme of "disobedience" is central to Pan's Labyrinth and can be seen in the actions of Ofelia, Mercedes and Doctor Ferreiro.
If asked to discuss a film's "aesthetic", ensure you give the aesthetic a name:

Pan's Labyrinth's "fairy-tale" aesthetic is established and maintained through the director's tight control of mise-en-scène, lighting, and colour palette.
Remember:
- Every Film Studies question is a key elements question at heart!
- This is Film Studies — write thoughtfully, sensitively, and insightfully about the films in question and you won’t go far wrong. </aside>

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