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FILM STUDIES
Contents
Page
Question Papers
Marking Guidelines
FILM STUDIES
FM2
British and American Film
SPECIMEN PAPER
(2½ hours)
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
• Resource material
• a 12 page answer book.
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
You are reminded that assessment will take into account the quality of written communication
used in your answers.
No certificate will be awarded to a candidate detected in any unfair practice during the
examination.
GCE AS/A FILM STUDIES 6
Either
- the home page of a fan website for the American star Will Ferrell
- table showing UK and US box office takings for two films starring Will Ferrell released
in 2006
- poster for one of these films; front cover of a magazine for one of these films.
Using this material as a starting point, and drawing on your own case studies, answer the
following question:
What are some of the reasons for the popularity of US produced films for UK
audiences? [40]
or
- press release: purchase of the Warner Village cinema chain by Vue in 2003
- programme for a thirteen screen Vue multiplex in Manchester (week in March, 2007)
- blog extract: 'Is Cinema Dead?'
Using this material as a starting point, and drawing on your own case studies, answer the
following question:
Are the attractions of going to a cinema today sufficiently strong to compete against
other ways in which we can now watch films? [40]
GCE AS/A FILM STUDIES 7
Either
3. What are some of the narrative features that are distinctive in the horror or comedy films you
have studied? [40]
or
4. How effective is genre in presenting ideas about society in the films you have studied? [40]
Either
5. What is the connection between the image of the star that you have studied and the narrative
expectations he or she produces? [40]
or
6. How far does the star you have studied reinforce or challenge stereotypes in the roles they
take on? [40]
Either
7. What are some of the similarities in the messages and values of films made by the production
company you have studied for this topic? [40]
or
8. What are some of the characteristics of the films you have studied for this topic which make
them different from Hollywood-type films? [40]
GCE AS/A FILM STUDIES 8
Either
9. How does narrative explore particular tensions of either gender or class or race? [40]
or
10. In what ways do the films you have studied adopt styles which are suited to their subject
matter? [40]
Either
11. Discuss the importance of choices made by key characters to the overall shape and
development of the narratives you have studied. [40]
or
12. How important is location to the films you have studied for this topic? [40]
Either
13. How far do the narratives of the films you have studied for this topic explore questions of
belonging and exclusion? [40]
or
14. Is 'being British' presented as a very different experience for different social groups in the
films you have studied? [40]
Either
15. Discuss some of the similarities and differences between the two films you have studied for
this topic with particular reference to narrative and genre features. [40]
or
16. How far do the two films you have studied for this topic present similar messages and values?
[40]
GCE AS/A FILM STUDIES 9
FILM STUDIES
FM2
British and American Film
SPECIMEN PAPER
2½ hours
Study Item A, the resource material for use with Section A, Question 1.
Table: UK and US Opening Weekend Box Office Takings for Two Films starring Will
Ferrell (released in 2006 and 2007)
Study Item B, the resource material for use with Section A, Question 2.
Press Release, May 2003: Vue buy Warner Village Cinema Chain
J.Timothy Richards, President & CEO of Vue said: "Warner Village did a great job in constructing a
very high quality portfolio of multiplex cinemas. We will continue to expand and enhance this platform
to ensure that we have the leading, most modern and best equipped cinema circuit in the UK. The
Vue brand will become synonymous with the best screens, the best sound and the best seating, to
create the best possible cinematic experience. We will make sure this appeals to everyone by offering
a greater variety and diverse range of films".
13 screen cinema showing the latest releases and offering a 'Gold Class' screen with 32 leather
seats, waiter service and bar. Less than 10 minutes from Manchester city centre in The Lowry Outlet
Mall at Salford Quays.
Is Cinema Dead?
Photograph: Getty
Is this the future of cinema-going?
I literally mean, is cinema dead? Do we no longer enjoy the thrill of finding ourselves in a darkened
room with hundreds of strangers, waiting eagerly to discover what cinematic delights are in store for
us?
DVD sales are now a huge part of the Hollywood marketing machine – an estimated 60% of revenue
from the US came in home sales, compared to 23% for tickets. Any number of films now do as much,
if not more, business on the small screen. And, of course, there's that old problem for Hollywood of
piracy (oddly not something that Joe Public is losing too much sleep over), which meant that Star
Wars was available on DVD across the world just hours after it hit the cinema.
Warner, for example, has just released a film on DVD in China on the same day it came out in the
cinema in the US, in a bid to stay one step ahead of those pesky pirates. It’s the first time something
like this has happened, and they’re surely testing the water ahead of bigger releases.
The challenge is up to cinema owners to make the cinema-going experience a more enjoyable one.
Bigger seats, cheaper tickets, and so on, would go some way to improving the matter. But can they
compete with the comforts of home, where you can drink and smoke to your heart's content, shout at
the screen, and answer your mobile phone should you so desire?
GCE AS/A FILM STUDIES 15
FILM STUDIES
FM4
Varieties of Film: Issues and Debates
SPECIMEN PAPER
(2¾ hours)
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
You are reminded that assessment will take into account the quality of written communication
used in your answers.
No certificate will be awarded to a candidate detected in any unfair practice during the
examination.
You are reminded that this paper is synoptic and so will test understanding of all aspects of AS
and A level Film Studies.
GCE AS/A FILM STUDIES 16
Either
1. To what extent do the films you have studied explore tensions within society as opposed to
being simply stories about individuals? [35]
or
2. Compare some of the stylistic features in the films you have studied discussing how far they
make for a distinctive kind of cinema. [35]
Either
3. Discuss characteristic features of casting and/or performance, exploring how far these features
contribute the overall effect of the films you have studied. [35]
or
4. What is the relationship between visual style and the subject matter of the films you have
studied? [35]
Either
5. To what extent do you think the films you have studied present either clear or ambiguous
messages about the worlds they represent? [35]
or
6. What is the importance of mise-en-scène and/or sound in creating meaning and generating
response in the films you have studied? [35]
GCE AS/A FILM STUDIES 17
Either
7. How far do the films you have studied depend on dramatic moments of confrontation within
the narrative and how far on tracing a more subtle change over time? [35]
or
8. Compare and contrast the ways in which the audience is encouraged to identify with
particular characters in the films you have studied. [35]
Either
9. Discuss the significance of two or three key aspects of film form in Early Cinema (such as
narrative and editing) in developing film spectatorship. [35]
or
10. How has your study of Early Cinema shaped your broader understanding of film
spectatorship? [35]
Either
11. Compare different documentary techniques employed to present the 'real', discussing their
impact on the spectator. Refer to at least two documentaries you have studied. [35]
or
12. Do you agree that as spectators we are more likely to accept at face value what we see and
hear in documentary films? [35]
Either
13. 'Experimental films are often designed to make us see and experience the world differently.'
Has this been your experience as a spectator of the films you have studied for this topic? [35]
or
14. 'Experimental Film requires a different kind of spectatorship.' Has this been your experience?
[35]
GCE AS/A FILM STUDIES 18
Either
15. Explore possible reasons to explain why a second or third viewing of a film can actually
increase the emotional response rather than lessen it. [35]
or
16. How far is the emotional response to mainstream films triggered by specific techniques used
by the filmmakers? [35]
General Questions
17. What does your chosen film reveal about the usefulness of one or more critical approaches
you have applied? [30]
18. Consider debates that have arisen in the critical reception of your chosen film, either at the
time of its initial release or now or both.
[30]
Questions on single films
19. In Modern Times, discuss the view that Chaplin is too sentimental in his approach to be able
to offer any valuable insight into the world. [30]
20. How far is Les Enfants du Paradis limited as a film by its theatricality? [30]
21. Film scholars have argued that Vertigo is a film about cinema and about spectatorship. How
far do you think this is true? [30]
22. The Battle of Algiers offers multiple characters for the spectator to identify with. Critically
discuss the strengths and limitations of this approach in relation to the film's subject. [30]
23. What is the importance of movement and soundtrack in Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss
Song? [30]
24. In Solaris, what themes do you believe Tarkovsky is exploring through Kelvin's relationship
with the 'second' Khari? [30]
25. What is significant about the visual style of Happy Together in relation to the themes it
explores? [30]
26. 'Despite the gesture of destroying symbols of corporate power at the end, Fight Club is a film
about power and control, not liberation.' How far do you agree? [30]
27. How successful is Talk to Her in undermining conventional gender stereotypes? [30]
28. 'After repeated viewings, Morvern Callar remains a strange, unknowable film, more dream-
like than a narrative realist film'. How useful and accurate do you find this comment? [30]
GCE AS/A FILM STUDIES 19
The ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding (AO1) is weighted equally with the ability
to apply that through exploration and analysis (AO2) at all levels.
• In this section, candidates are being required to respond quickly to a range of materials.
Examiners should be flexible in their approach, prepared to consider diverse approaches and
recognise that the candidate's ability may be demonstrated as much in the process of engaging
with the material as in what is said.
• The likely proportion of an answer based on the stimulus itself and the proportion based on
case study material introduced by candidates will vary enormously. Sometimes this will
depend on the question. However, the relative emphasis may vary considerably even in
different responses to the same question. However, the relative emphasis may vary
considerably even in different responses to the same question. Again, examiners should be
flexible, avoiding an over-prescriptive starting position
GCE AS/A FILM STUDIES 20
2: 16–23 At the lower end of this level, candidates will demonstrate some knowledge and understanding of
the areas studied for this unit. However knowledge will, by comparison with work at higher
grades, be insecure with significant inaccuracies. There will be some relevant detail but limited
ability to work from the particular to the general. Description will dominate, possibly reliant on
the stimulus material.
(16-19)
Quality of written communication will be inconsistent but will enable basic if limited
communication. There will be frequent inaccuracies although not sufficient to prevent
communication.
……………………………………………………………………………………….
At the upper end of this level, candidates will demonstrate sufficient knowledge and
understanding of the areas studied for this unit to respond to the question. Description will
dominate, with limited ability to discriminate between more or less significant points either based
on the stimulus material or on candidates' own studies. Candidates will however implicitly
(20-23) demonstrate some appreciation of the relevant issues to support their response.
3: 24-31 At the lower end of this level, candidates will demonstrate a sound level of knowledge and
reasonable understanding of the areas studied for this unit. They will display a reasonable
understanding of, and engagement with, the issues raised by the question and some ability to
select material relevant to the question. This will involve as appropriate: a reasonable ability in
interpreting stimulus material, recognising some of the key points; an ability to provide material
from their own studies.
(24-27) References made to both stimulus material and candidates' own study material will generally be
accurate, although not always the most appropriate for the argument developed. There will be
descriptive material related to the relevant issues offering clear evidence of study.
Quality of written communication will be sound: reasonably fluent, reasonably structured and
mainly accurate, enabling clear communication.
……………………………………………………………………………………….
At the upper end of this level, candidates will demonstrate a good level of knowledge and a
generally confident understanding of the areas studied for this unit. They will display a good
understanding of, and a good engagement with, the issues raised by the question and display an
ability to select relevant material. This will involve as appropriate: a good ability in interpreting
stimulus material, recognising many of the key points; a good ability to provide appropriate
material from their own studies.
References made to both stimulus material and candidates' own study material will be accurate
and relevant to the argument developed. The work will show clear signs of developing a well-
(28-31) structured response. There will be some evidence of a 'voice' developing in the candidate.
Quality of written communication will be good. It will be fluent, well-structured and accurate.
4: 32-40 Level 4 candidates will be distinguished by an excellent knowledge and confident understanding
of the subjects studied for this unit. They will display an excellent understanding of, and a lively
engagement with, the issues raised by the question set, and display a very good ability to select
relevant material. This will involve as appropriate: an excellent ability in interpreting stimulus
material, recognising key points; an excellent ability to provide appropriate material from their
own studies.
References made to both stimulus material and candidates' own study material will be both
accurate and relevant to the argument developed. The work will be well-structured. There will be
a clear and authoritative 'voice' developing in the candidate.
The following is a guideline to issues candidates may raise in their answers. It is not intended to be
prescriptive.
Question 1:
• The relationship between the American and British film industries.
• Distribution, exhibition and the dominance of the American film industry.
• The importance of stars, both British and American.
• Audience behaviour in relation to fandom/marketing.
Question 2:
• Attractions of cinema viewing: visual impact of large cinema screen, power of (surround)
sound, social dimensions of experience, (possible) release ahead of official DVD availability
• Attractions of other forms: availability of DVDs, additional features, increase in quality of
'home cinema', film availability on internet, social dimensions of experience.
The ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding (AO1) will be weighted equally with the
ability to apply that through exploration and analysis (AO2) at all levels.
GCE AS/A FILM STUDIES 22
3: 24–31 At the lower end of this level, candidates will have a sound knowledge and
understanding of their chosen films and be able to make reasonably detailed and
accurate reference to them. The ability to make points supported with relevant
evidence will be emerging although there may still be a tendency to the descriptive.
The use of appropriate specialist language will be emerging. There will be a sound
(24-27) knowledge of narrative and representation issues if not always developed.
The following is a guideline to issues candidates may raise in their answers. It is not intended to be
prescriptive.
Questions 3 and 4:
• An awareness of the importance of genre within the context of British cinema.
• An awareness of the narrative conventions of genre with some awareness of continuities and
changes in these conventions over time.
• An understanding of how genres can express issues.
Questions 5 and 6:
• An understanding of the way the chosen star communicates/makes meaning through their
roles, screen persona and media image.
• An appreciation of the contexts within which the chosen star can be placed.
• An awareness of the specific characteristics of stardom within British Cinema.
Questions 7 and 8:
• An understanding of specific characteristics of the chosen production company – including its
films and its underpinning ethos.
• Understanding of the social, political and economic contexts within which the chosen
production company has operated.
• An awareness of the specific characteristics of the production company within the British film
industry.
The following is a guideline to issues candidates may raise in their answers. It is not intended to be
prescriptive.
The ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding (AO1) will be weighted equally with the
ability to apply that through exploration and analysis (AO2) at all levels.
GCE AS/A FILM STUDIES 27
2: 14-20 At the lower end of this level, candidates will have a basic ability to describe their
chosen films and topic. However this knowledge will tend to be insecure with
significant inaccuracies. There will be some detail but this will not always be
relevant and there will be limited ability to work from the particular to the general.
(14-16) Description will dominate.
3: 21-27 At the lower end of this level, candidates will have a sound knowledge and
understanding of their chosen films and topic. The ability to make points
supported with relevant evidence will be emerging although there may still be a
tendency to the descriptive. The use of appropriate specialist language will be
(21-23) emerging.
The following is a guideline to issues candidates may raise in their answers. It is not intended to be
prescriptive.
• A knowledge and appreciation of the importance of the relevant historical, political, social,
cultural and artistic contexts.
• A specific understanding of the chosen films and their stylistic features – and of the
relationship of these chosen features to thematic preoccupations.
• An understanding of what is distinctive – and innovative – in the films studied.
• An appreciation of the messages and values contained within the chosen films.
• An understanding of the relationship between form and content, possibly with a particular
reference to distinctive stylistic features.
• An understanding of contexts, especially time and place.
• An appreciation of the messages and values contained within the chosen films, especially
gender issues.
• An understanding of the relationship between form and content, possibly with a particular
reference to distinctive stylistic features which relate to a ‘gendered’ cinema.
• An understanding of contexts, especially time and place.
GCE AS/A FILM STUDIES 29
The following is a guideline to issues candidates may raise in their answers. It is not intended to be
prescriptive.
Questions 9 and 10
• An understanding of the rapid development of micro features of film language during the
period, especially in relationship to spectator positioning and response.
• An understanding of the rapid development in the story-telling capacity of early cinema with
particular reference to narrative and spectatorship.
• An appreciation of cinematic contexts – including developments in technology and exhibition.
Questions 11 and 12
• An awareness of different kinds of documentary practice and the distinctive features of each
in relation to spectatorship.
• An appreciation of cinematic contexts – including developments in technology and exhibition
as they relate to spectatorship.
Questions 13 and 14
• An understanding that experimental film/video demands a different and more challenging
spectatorship experience.
• An awareness of different kinds of experimental practice and the distinctive features of each
in relation to spectatorship.
• An appreciation of cinematic contexts – including developments in technology and exhibition
as they relate to spectatorship.
Questions 15 and 16
• An understanding of how cinema produces a range of emotional responses in the spectator,
using both macro and micro features.
• An appreciation of how spectators seek a range of different experiences when watching films,
including experiences that may challenge and disturb.
• An appreciation of cinematic contexts – including the significance of audience viewing
situations, fandom and ‘cultism’ – in contributing to spectator response.
The ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding (AO1) will be weighted equally with the
ability to apply that through exploration and analysis (AO2) at all levels.
GCE AS/A FILM STUDIES 30
There will thus be no obvious evidence of understanding or an ability to apply that understanding
through analysis of film and the relevant critical and contextual issues.
2: 12 – 17 At the lower end of Level 2, candidates will have some ability to describe the critical issues they
choose to write about but, compared with work at higher grades, knowledge will be insecure with
significant inaccuracies. There will be some detail but this will not always be relevant and there will be
limited ability to work from the particular to the general. Description will dominate with very little
evidence of understanding in attempting to respond to specific issues raised by the questions.
There will thus be evidence of a basic understanding and basic ability to apply that understanding
(12-14) through analysis of film and the relevant critical and contextual issues.
Quality of written communication will be inconsistent but will enable basic if limited communication.
There will be frequent inaccuracies although not sufficient to prevent communication.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
At the upper end of this level, candidates will have an ability to describe in broad terms the critical
issues they choose to write about. Description, generally accurate, will dominate. An appreciation of
the basic aspects of critical debates and issues will be apparent although this will often be implicit
rather than explicit.
There will thus be evidence of a developing understanding and an ability to apply that understanding
through analysis of film and the relevant critical and contextual issues.
(15-17) Quality of written communication will be satisfactory. Although sometimes awkward in expression,
communication will be generally clear. There will be some inaccuracies.
3: 18-23 At the lower end of Level 3, candidates will have a sound knowledge and reasonable understanding of
the critical issues they choose to engage with. They will be able to make detailed and accurate
references to specific films and cinemas. There will be a sense of being able to make and support
points rather than rely on description at this level, in comparison with work at higher levels, clear
points of view won't always be developed.
Candidates will thus demonstrate a sound understanding of film and film issues and a sound ability to
(18-20) apply that understanding through analysis of film and the relevant critical and contextual issues.
Quality of written communication will be sound. It will be reasonably fluent, reasonably structured
and generally accurate, enabling clear communication.
……………………………………………………………………………………….
At the upper end of this level, candidates will have a good knowledge and understanding of the critical
issues they choose to engage with. They will be able to make detailed, accurate and usually precise
reference to specific films and cinemas.
There will thus be clear evidence of a good understanding of film and film issues and a good ability to
apply that understanding through effective analysis of film and the relevant critical and contextual
issues.
(21-23)
Quality of written communication will be good. It will be fluent, well-structured and accurate.
4: 24-30 Level 4 candidates will be distinguished by an excellent knowledge and confident understanding of the
critical issues they choose to engage with. They will be able to make very detailed, accurate and
precise reference to specific films and cinemas. Work will be structured highly effectively. There will
be evidence of a clear and distinctive 'voice' developing.
There will clear evidence of a high level of understanding of film and film issues and an excellent
ability to apply that understanding through coherent analysis of film and the critical and contextual
issues relating to them.
Quality of written communication will be excellent. It will be very fluent, well-structured and
accurate, showing signs of sophistication.
GCE AS/A FILM STUDIES 31
The following is a guideline to the understanding candidates may demonstrate in their answers.
It is not intended to be prescriptive.
Questions 17 to 28
• Knowledge of some of the different critical responses provoked by the chosen film, together
with an appreciation of the film’s status – arising, for example, from a consensus view that it
is a stylistically innovative film or a significant auteur work, or a major contribution to the
way we think theoretically about film.
• Understanding of the issues underlying its (possibly diverse) critical reception, including, for
example, those relating to theme, style and structure.
• An appreciation of how one or more critical approaches applied by the candidate has been
productive in enhancing understanding and appreciation of the chosen film.