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Film Studies AS Level

Film Studies is now a fully established subject at both AS and A2 level.  Students interested in Film Studies should read the Media Studies entry on this website as well.

An appreciation of film has been taught in schools since the 1930s.  In those days the whole problem was getting hold of the actual films and showing them in the classroom.  The situation is rather different today.  The main problem facing the student (and teacher) of Film Studies is one of credibility.  Those who dismiss study of the most radical art form of the twentieth century as worthless are, of course, misguided.  Film has had a tremendous impact on our society, not just in terms of the pleasure it has given to millions, but also the way in which it has reflected and shaped the world over the last one hundred years.  Thus both the economic and ideological impact of the cinema deserves greater thought and analysis than many of those in education wish to give it.  In that sense Film Studies is an academic subject.

EXAMINATION BOARD:  WJEC

FM1:  EXPLORING FILM FORM – coursework 50%

ANALYSIS: For this unit you will produce an assignment that will explore one film of your choice in depth examining the way it involves the spectator through the use of film language.  This will include consideration of aspects such as cinematography (camera angles and shots), lighting, setting, costumes and editing.  You will illustrate your work using stills from the film.

CREATIVE PROJECT: You will also invent, write and produce a short film as part of a small group.  Within your group you will be responsible for one aspect such as camerawork, editing or sound.  Afterwards you will need to provide a reflective analysis which could be in the form of a script of a DVD commentary.

FM2: BRITISH & AMERICAN FILM - examination 50%

Here you will explore the larger aspects of film such as the industry, audiences, genre and narrative.  Your knowledge will be tested through an examination in three sections.

SECTION A: PRODUCERS & AUDIENCES

In the first section you will answer questions about the film industry, how films are marketed and how new technology changes the way we view films.  Stimulus material will be available in the exam for you to comment on.

SECTION B: BRITISH FILM TOPICS

Here we may study British genre films such as horror or comedy in depth.  We may focus on stars such as Ewan McGregor, or we may look at how one film studio has worked or we may look at the way crime is represented in British film.  You will be guided in your choice of two films that you will study in depth.

SECTION C: US FILM COMPARATIVE STUDY

Here you will have total freedom to select two Hollywood films that you will compare.  You will select them in order to explore a theme:  you may be looking at the way a remake compares to an original (for example King Kong) or the way the representation of women can differ by looking at two modern films from very different genres.