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FS6 FS6

Critical StudiesCritical Studies

FS6 – Critical StudiesFS6 – Critical Studies

There are 3 sections to this topic There are 3 sections to this topic

1.1. The Film Text and Spectator – The Film Text and Spectator – Shocking CinemaShocking Cinema

2.2. Producers and Audiences: Issues and Producers and Audiences: Issues and Debates – Debates – Regulation and Regulation and CensorshipCensorship

3.3. Messages and Values: Critical Messages and Values: Critical Approaches – Approaches – Genre and Genre and Authorship StudiesAuthorship Studies

It is important to note that It is important to note that this is a synoptic module – this is a synoptic module – this means that you need this means that you need to incorporate learning to incorporate learning that has been done in that has been done in previous modules (AS and previous modules (AS and A2)A2)

Assessment TasksAssessment Tasks

o Shocking cinema Shocking cinema One essay in response to one question One essay in response to one question 20 marks (45 minutes advised) 20 marks (45 minutes advised) o Regulation and Censorship Regulation and Censorship One essay in response to one question One essay in response to one question 15 marks (35 minutes advised)15 marks (35 minutes advised)o Genre and Authorship StudiesGenre and Authorship Studies One essay in response to one question One essay in response to one question 20 marks (35 minutes advised)20 marks (35 minutes advised)

TimingsTimings

Make sure that you are aware of the Make sure that you are aware of the times when you need to change onto times when you need to change onto the next section.the next section.

Give yourself around 5 minutes at Give yourself around 5 minutes at the start of the question to plan what the start of the question to plan what you are going to say.you are going to say.

You should know a lot about the You should know a lot about the different sections but make sure your different sections but make sure your comments are related to the section comments are related to the section in hand in hand

Shocking Cinema Shocking Cinema

This study is concerned with how the shock of This study is concerned with how the shock of film generates a powerful effect on the film generates a powerful effect on the spectator spectator

There is no specific definition of shock apart There is no specific definition of shock apart from the spectator finding the images from the spectator finding the images challenging or disturbing challenging or disturbing

The emphasis here is on the interaction The emphasis here is on the interaction between the cinematic devices and the between the cinematic devices and the spectator spectator

This section is not concerned with This section is not concerned with censorshipcensorship

The Films we have covered The Films we have covered

Shoot Em Up (2007) dir. Michael DavisShoot Em Up (2007) dir. Michael Davis Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979) dir. Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979) dir.

Terry Jones Terry Jones Watership Down (1978) dir. Martin Rosen Watership Down (1978) dir. Martin Rosen Natural Born Killers (1994) dir. Oliver StoneNatural Born Killers (1994) dir. Oliver Stone

Obviously these films are very different but Obviously these films are very different but they do create shocks in different ways. If they do create shocks in different ways. If you have found other films shocking and you have found other films shocking and know them well you can refer to them.know them well you can refer to them.

Natural Born Killers Natural Born Killers

Shocking? Points that could be raisedShocking? Points that could be raised The violence involved and the rapeThe violence involved and the rape A woman carrying out the violenceA woman carrying out the violence The jumping between the live action and The jumping between the live action and

animation animation The scenes with love and marriage of The scenes with love and marriage of

serial killers serial killers The insinuation of the media as the The insinuation of the media as the

primary evil primary evil All of the characters are guilty of All of the characters are guilty of

something something The use of references to American sitcoms The use of references to American sitcoms

You need to be able to You need to be able to engage in debate about engage in debate about these films. You should these films. You should

make sure that you know make sure that you know them well (or know a them well (or know a

range of films that you will range of films that you will be able to use as be able to use as

examples) and that you examples) and that you are able to apply this are able to apply this

knowledge to a range of knowledge to a range of questions questions

Films to use Films to use

4/5 films should be a good number, 4/5 films should be a good number, this will allow you to discuss a range this will allow you to discuss a range of issues in enough depthof issues in enough depth

For each film you need to be able to For each film you need to be able to discuss specific instances with discuss specific instances with references to film language and the references to film language and the themes/topics of the films themes/topics of the films

What films are you going to What films are you going to use use

This is the part when we go This is the part when we go around and discuss different around and discuss different films we could use and why!films we could use and why!

Approaching Exam QuestionsApproaching Exam Questions

From your experience, is it true to From your experience, is it true to say that the shock effect of some say that the shock effect of some films comes from their subject films comes from their subject matter whilst for other films the matter whilst for other films the shock is created through the use of shock is created through the use of cinematic devices?cinematic devices?

Approaching Exam Questions Approaching Exam Questions 22

Taking a stance:Taking a stance:1.1. Yes I feel it is true and I shall show you why Yes I feel it is true and I shall show you why 2.2. While I feel it is true in some ways it is false While I feel it is true in some ways it is false

in others – some films are shocking in bothin others – some films are shocking in both3.3. I feel that if the cinematic devices are I feel that if the cinematic devices are

shocking then the subject through shocking then the subject through association becomes shocking association becomes shocking

4.4. I feel that the cinematic devices create the I feel that the cinematic devices create the shock otherwise it is just a topic that is shock otherwise it is just a topic that is presented presented

This film is shocking in both presentation and topic and why

Natural Born Killers was made more shocking by the presentation of the violence rather than the violence itself

Reservoir Dogs was considered shocking but a lot of the violence was off screen

The amount of deaths and injuries in Kill Bill Volume 1 could have made it shocking but the blood spurting out etc made it less shocking

What do you think?

Does the DVD extras make Does the DVD extras make something less shocking?something less shocking?

Taking a stance Taking a stance Making of features can illustrate how Making of features can illustrate how

tricks are donetricks are doneI don’t feel that this is true – there are I don’t feel that this is true – there are

no ‘hidden tricks’ to some films no ‘hidden tricks’ to some films Films are more shocking when they Films are more shocking when they

don’t have well known actors in don’t have well known actors in Films are more shocking when they are Films are more shocking when they are

believable believable

What do you think?

We know that Team America is not real as it uses puppets but it is still shocking

The Blair Witch Project was more shocking as people thought that it was real

Seeing Leonardo Dicaprio treading water on the Titanic extras ruined it for me

Reception Theory – being in the cinema/caught in the moment and believing in what you see creates shocks

Some films appeal/ play on emotions which shocks us

Shocking Cinema Shocks can be created for a variety of different reasons: subject matter; cinematic devices; reception; personal experiences If your full attention is given to a film then it would be easier to produce shocks in an audienceDirections and film makers are constantly coming up with different/new ways to shockExtreme violence is not the only way to shock When directors make films outside of their field this can produce shocks as can actors

Know This !

Know This Know This Blazing saddles shocks an audience into realising its prejudices Monty Python’s Life of Brian has people singing and dancing whilst being

crucified Dogma presents God as a woman and features a the 13th Apostle as black Brief Encounter shocked audiences with an adulterous middle class woman Rita Sue and Bob Too was a comment on the class system of the 1980’s yet

to a 21st century audience it shows a paedophile living happily ever after In cinema all the lights are off and you are surrounded by strangers At home you are vulnerable as you have invited murderers, rapists,

kidnappers etc (characters within the films) into your home Oliver Stone admitted that film could be dangerous and shocking Media issues and debates being present in our society can result in an

audience becoming more shocked 9/11 films will be shocking if we see how people have suffered Films representing the London Bombings will be shocking if we:

See how people suffered and died If people are screaming If it highlights how easily it could happen again

Know this Know this Natural Born Killers switched between animation

and the actual film to shock an audience presenting 2 sides to a character

Blazing Saddles broke the conventions of film by moving from Western to contemporary film – this being a source of our amusement

We are shocked through Narrative – the ending of the Wicker Man and Seven

Key characters can sometimes die in films unexpectedly – Man (Samuel L Jackson) being eaten by a shark in Deep Blue Sea

Stella screening present films in their topical environment to shock

Regulation and CensorshipRegulation and Censorship

This study looks at the limitations This study looks at the limitations regulation and censorship has imposed on regulation and censorship has imposed on both film producers and audiences both film producers and audiences

Two moments should be examined and Two moments should be examined and understood for this unit understood for this unit

We are examining: (a) technological We are examining: (a) technological change due to the VCR, DVD and the change due to the VCR, DVD and the internet and how it will affect the internet and how it will affect the certification system and (b) the changes in certification system and (b) the changes in BBFC certification in recent years PG – 12 – BBFC certification in recent years PG – 12 – 12A12A

Some of the issues raised by Some of the issues raised by the changes in certificationthe changes in certification

Why can children now cope with more? Why can children now cope with more? What exactly do we feel children can now cope with?What exactly do we feel children can now cope with? Has pressure been put on the censors to ease their Has pressure been put on the censors to ease their

standards?standards? How may certificates change in the future? How may certificates change in the future? Why not have a 12A on DVD/Video? Why not have a 12A on DVD/Video? Reception Theory – wouldn’t it be easier for children to Reception Theory – wouldn’t it be easier for children to

watch films in the day rather than in a dark cinema?watch films in the day rather than in a dark cinema? During a time when violent crime is on the increase should During a time when violent crime is on the increase should

we be exposing our children to more violence? we be exposing our children to more violence? What recent examples are there that suggest children and What recent examples are there that suggest children and

open to too much violence?open to too much violence? Are standards being relaxed for the higher ratings as well Are standards being relaxed for the higher ratings as well

as the lower ones?as the lower ones? As the BBFAs the BBFCC changed from changed from CCensors to ensors to CClassifiers (in 1984 to lassifiers (in 1984 to

reflect their work with videos) and they have become more reflect their work with videos) and they have become more of a guide – should we have government controlled system?of a guide – should we have government controlled system?

What is the difference between a 12A and a 15 rating – how What is the difference between a 12A and a 15 rating – how open for debateopen for debate is it? is it?

Some of the issues raised by the Some of the issues raised by the changes in technologychanges in technology

How did the introduction of the VCR change the How did the introduction of the VCR change the way films were classified?way films were classified?

How many of our parents prevented us from How many of our parents prevented us from watching something due to its certificate?watching something due to its certificate?

How can the internet be regulated? How can the internet be regulated? Has internet downloads and DVD piracy convinced Has internet downloads and DVD piracy convinced

the BBFC to let more people into the cinema? the BBFC to let more people into the cinema? Do we need a company that is not paid for by the Do we need a company that is not paid for by the

cinemas themselves to regulate what is watched cinemas themselves to regulate what is watched by the general publicby the general public

Should the fact that there are extras (behind the Should the fact that there are extras (behind the scenes, documentaries, profiles etc) on DVDs make scenes, documentaries, profiles etc) on DVDs make them less threatening?them less threatening?

What made the BBFC start to rate films?What made the BBFC start to rate films?

The emphasis in this The emphasis in this module is not on module is not on

institutional histories institutional histories ((Although some of this knowledge will Although some of this knowledge will

help) help) It is on critical It is on critical debatedebate – be prepared to – be prepared to apply what you know to a apply what you know to a

range of situationsrange of situationsPractise exam questions Practise exam questions

coming soon!coming soon!

Further Reading Further Reading

The BBFC (The BBFC (and special SBBFC site for studentsand special SBBFC site for students) ) website is an invaluable resource, it website is an invaluable resource, it has a lot of information on it with has a lot of information on it with regards to Regulation and Censorship regards to Regulation and Censorship and it has a lot of links to other sitesand it has a lot of links to other sites

The Guardian website has links to a The Guardian website has links to a special censorship report (special censorship report (links to this from links to this from the BBFC also)the BBFC also)

Approaching Exam Questions Approaching Exam Questions

Either by reference to contemporary Either by reference to contemporary cinema or an earlier period, discuss cinema or an earlier period, discuss how regulation and censorship have how regulation and censorship have been challenged by social cultural or been challenged by social cultural or technological change technological change

Approaching Exam questions Approaching Exam questions 22

Taking a stance:Taking a stance:

I think that

I also think that

Know This!Know This! For what is essentially a PG certificate, teenagers are For what is essentially a PG certificate, teenagers are

considered the audienceconsidered the audience VRA was created in 1984VRA was created in 1984 The Video Nasties term came about when unregulated films The Video Nasties term came about when unregulated films

were in circulationwere in circulation The BBFC applies certifications to films The BBFC applies certifications to films The BBFC certifications act as a guideline but local councils can The BBFC certifications act as a guideline but local councils can

reclassify films – they rarely do but have been known to – reclassify films – they rarely do but have been known to – SpidermanSpiderman

Very few films are cut and even fewer (3 last year) are banned Very few films are cut and even fewer (3 last year) are banned Films are pushed/squeezed into categories high and lower Films are pushed/squeezed into categories high and lower

onesones The 12 certificate began with Batman in 1989 The 12 certificate began with Batman in 1989 12A certificate introduced in 2002 and the first film was 12A certificate introduced in 2002 and the first film was

Bourne Identity Bourne Identity Spiderman was reclassified as a 12A due to parental desire Spiderman was reclassified as a 12A due to parental desire

and a desire for higher box office receipts and a desire for higher box office receipts

Know This Know This Some local councils overturned 12 spider man rating and making it a PG Some local councils overturned 12 spider man rating and making it a PG

NorfolkNorfolk Illegal downloading and piracy are rife in society Illegal downloading and piracy are rife in society With 30% more people this year signing up to broadband it can only With 30% more people this year signing up to broadband it can only

increase the rate of piracy increase the rate of piracy It is now possible to download films from Sky televisionIt is now possible to download films from Sky television The 12A certificate means that anyone under 12 can go into a cinema The 12A certificate means that anyone under 12 can go into a cinema

accompanied by a parentaccompanied by a parent Spiderman in 2000 was almost given a 15 certificate due to its violence Spiderman in 2000 was almost given a 15 certificate due to its violence Moral panics can be created by societies tragedies – manhunt / Jamie Bulger Moral panics can be created by societies tragedies – manhunt / Jamie Bulger

and these can lead to tighter controland these can lead to tighter control A desire for greater box office receipts could lead to a more relaxed systemA desire for greater box office receipts could lead to a more relaxed system Ultimately the responsibility for children seeing films rests on parentsUltimately the responsibility for children seeing films rests on parents Films with an adult content have been aggressively marketed at children Films with an adult content have been aggressively marketed at children A desire for high box receipts means that films need to appeal to adults and A desire for high box receipts means that films need to appeal to adults and

children – Shrek – Harry Potter – Lord of the Rings – The Simpsons – King children – Shrek – Harry Potter – Lord of the Rings – The Simpsons – King KongKong

Sam Raimi directed The Evil Dead (on the video nasties list) and Spider man Sam Raimi directed The Evil Dead (on the video nasties list) and Spider man Words like ‘fuck’ can be present in 12A films but it has to be infrequentWords like ‘fuck’ can be present in 12A films but it has to be infrequent Titanic and James Bond films have been known to attract a young audience Titanic and James Bond films have been known to attract a young audience

Video Recordings Act (1984)Video Recordings Act (1984) The Introduction of the Video Recordings Act 1984The Introduction of the Video Recordings Act 1984 Big social problems within society. Big social problems within society. Lots of people started opening video shops after being made Lots of people started opening video shops after being made

redundant. redundant. £50 membership of video shops at the time.£50 membership of video shops at the time. Britain had more video recorders than anywhere else in the world.Britain had more video recorders than anywhere else in the world. People stopped going to the cinema as much.People stopped going to the cinema as much. Distributors of videos were in a lot of competition.Distributors of videos were in a lot of competition. People were looking for things they hadn’t seen before.People were looking for things they hadn’t seen before. Videos were not subject to the same laws as theatrical releases.Videos were not subject to the same laws as theatrical releases. Peter Chippendale Review (Sunday Times) coined the phrase Peter Chippendale Review (Sunday Times) coined the phrase

‘video nasty’.‘video nasty’. Evil Dead was the biggest hit of its time.Evil Dead was the biggest hit of its time. Big distributors afraid of comparisons and being side by side with Big distributors afraid of comparisons and being side by side with

‘normal’ films.‘normal’ films. Mary Whitehouse: 30,000 members nationally. Established 1963. Mary Whitehouse: 30,000 members nationally. Established 1963.

National Viewers and Listeners Association.National Viewers and Listeners Association.

The Video Recordings Act The Video Recordings Act (1984)(1984)

39 list of nasties 1989.39 list of nasties 1989. The law wasn’t addressing the problems of the Video Nasties.The law wasn’t addressing the problems of the Video Nasties. ““Battle for the quality of our culture”. Mary Whitehouse.Battle for the quality of our culture”. Mary Whitehouse. Daily Mail: ‘Ban the Sadist Videos’; ‘Raping our Children’s Minds’.Daily Mail: ‘Ban the Sadist Videos’; ‘Raping our Children’s Minds’. Could have been a deflection from other political issues: crime, Could have been a deflection from other political issues: crime,

unemployment.unemployment. Pornographic shops distance themselves from the video nasties.Pornographic shops distance themselves from the video nasties. Legal profession began using term ‘Video Nasties’ as a defense for Legal profession began using term ‘Video Nasties’ as a defense for

committing crimes. committing crimes. Peter Kruger. Obscene Publications Branch Division ‘intent to, deprave and Peter Kruger. Obscene Publications Branch Division ‘intent to, deprave and

corrupt’.corrupt’. Films began being seized.Films began being seized. Distributors began getting arrested.Distributors began getting arrested. David Hamilton Grant 18 months- Nightmares in a Damaged Brain.David Hamilton Grant 18 months- Nightmares in a Damaged Brain. Graham Bright M.P. said that he would introduce a bill against Video Graham Bright M.P. said that he would introduce a bill against Video

NastiesNasties It had been stated that 4 out of 10 under 6 year-olds had seen a V.N.It had been stated that 4 out of 10 under 6 year-olds had seen a V.N. B.B.F.C. assigned to judge videos.B.B.F.C. assigned to judge videos. Many independent video shop owners went out of business. Many independent video shop owners went out of business.

Genre and Authorship Studies Genre and Authorship Studies

Here you will review your application of Here you will review your application of the auteur approach to films watched the auteur approach to films watched and studiedand studied

Considering the benefits and limitations Considering the benefits and limitations of the study in reading films of the study in reading films

Response to the meanings constructed Response to the meanings constructed in the application of an auteur study will in the application of an auteur study will be critically explored be critically explored

Obviously many of you Obviously many of you have extensive knowledge have extensive knowledge about autuerism with an in about autuerism with an in

depth knowledge of one depth knowledge of one auteur and all of us have auteur and all of us have knowledge of three, this knowledge of three, this knowledge will be tested knowledge will be tested in debate discussion and in debate discussion and

timed essays timed essays

The Coen BrothersThe Coen Brothers

Fargo Fargo The Big LebowskiThe Big LebowskiThe Hudsucker Proxy The Hudsucker Proxy

Shane Meadows Shane Meadows

Dead Mans ShoesDead Mans ShoesRoom for Romeo BrassRoom for Romeo Brass24 724 7

Steven Spielberg Steven Spielberg

Minority Report Minority Report Jaws Jaws Jurrasic Park Jurrasic Park

BUT!

Auteurs Auteurs

Do they exist Do they exist

What is an auteur?What is an auteur?

Andrew Sarris, an American, in 1962 Andrew Sarris, an American, in 1962 wrote that auteurs should be: wrote that auteurs should be: technically competent, will have technically competent, will have specific signatures (stylistic, specific signatures (stylistic, thematic or ideological) and their thematic or ideological) and their personality and/or tendencies, personality and/or tendencies, consciously or unconsciously, will consciously or unconsciously, will become evidentbecome evident

When Auteurs BeganWhen Auteurs Began

The term Auteur originally came from Andre The term Auteur originally came from Andre Bazin when he wrote about it in a French Bazin when he wrote about it in a French magazine called ‘Cahiers Du Cinema’magazine called ‘Cahiers Du Cinema’

Cahiers Du Cinema literally translated Cahiers Du Cinema literally translated means cinema notesmeans cinema notes

In 1954 François Truffant wrote an article In 1954 François Truffant wrote an article entitled ‘Une Tendency du Cinema’ entitled ‘Une Tendency du Cinema’ criticising French cinema and called for criticising French cinema and called for auteurs auteurs

Alfred Hitchcock was recognised as by the Alfred Hitchcock was recognised as by the Cahiers Du Cinema as an auteurCahiers Du Cinema as an auteur

Who knows – you decide Who knows – you decide

It is our job to consider directors, actors It is our job to consider directors, actors and producers for the title of auteur – and producers for the title of auteur – whether they deserve the titlewhether they deserve the title

whether it was helpful to call them one – whether it was helpful to call them one – does it make us enjoy the film more does it make us enjoy the film more

Does it help us understand the film more Does it help us understand the film more Does is help us in our studies and/or Does is help us in our studies and/or

recreationrecreation

Some Auteurs?

Ridley Scott Ridley Scott

Use of strong Use of strong female characters female characters

Creating cinematic Creating cinematic worlds worlds

Alien, Thelma and Alien, Thelma and Louise & GI Jane Louise & GI Jane

Blade Runner, Alien Blade Runner, Alien and Gladiatorand Gladiator

Ridley Scott Ridley Scott

Use of strong Use of strong female characters female characters

Creating cinematic Creating cinematic worlds worlds

Alien, Thelma and Alien, Thelma and Louise & GI Jane Louise & GI Jane

Blade Runner, Alien Blade Runner, Alien and Gladiatorand Gladiator

Ridley ScottRidley Scott

Cinematography in numerous films Cinematography in numerous films by John Mathieson by John Mathieson

Music in numerous films by Hans Music in numerous films by Hans Zimmer Zimmer

Numerous films edited by Pietro Numerous films edited by Pietro Scalia Scalia

Tim Burton? Tim Burton?

Loner characters – Loner characters – people who don’t people who don’t fit into society fit into society

Dark Oppressive Dark Oppressive Settings Settings

Prefers Orchestral Prefers Orchestral MusicMusic

Edward Scissor Edward Scissor hands, Big Fish, hands, Big Fish, Sleepy Hollow Sleepy Hollow

Sleepy Hollow, Sleepy Hollow, Nightmare Before Nightmare Before Christmas Christmas

Tim Burton Tim Burton

Music often by Danny Elfman Music often by Danny Elfman Often uses the acting talents of Often uses the acting talents of

Johnny Depp Johnny Depp Numerous films edited by Lebenzon Numerous films edited by Lebenzon

Joel and Ethan Coen?Joel and Ethan Coen?

Collision of comedy Collision of comedy and violent crime and violent crime

Unexceptional well Unexceptional well meaning people meaning people acting honourably acting honourably

Colourful dialogue Colourful dialogue

FargoFargo

The Big LebowskiThe Big Lebowski FargoFargo

O Brother Where O Brother Where art thou, art thou, Intolerable Cruelty Intolerable Cruelty

Joel and Ethan Coen?Joel and Ethan Coen?

Edit their own filmsEdit their own filmsCinematography by Roger Deakins Cinematography by Roger Deakins

on …on …Music by Carter Burwell on … Music by Carter Burwell on …

Mel BrooksMel Brooks

Genre Spoofing Genre Spoofing

Deliberate bad tasteDeliberate bad taste

Slap stick innuendo Slap stick innuendo

Young Frankenstein, Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles, Blazing Saddles, Space Balls, Robin Space Balls, Robin Hood – Men in TightsHood – Men in Tights

Blazing Saddles, The Blazing Saddles, The ProducersProducers

See above See above

Mel Brooks Mel Brooks

Music wrote the music for a lot of his Music wrote the music for a lot of his films films

Actors: uses gene wilder in numerous Actors: uses gene wilder in numerous films films

Wrote the screenplays for the films Wrote the screenplays for the films that he has made that he has made

David CronenbergDavid Cronenberg

Exploration of the Exploration of the limits of human limits of human experienceexperience

Focus on Focus on technology and technology and obsession obsession

Implausible Implausible narratives narratives

Existenz Existenz

CrashCrash

The FlyThe Fly

David Cronenberg David Cronenberg

Howard Shore has been used Howard Shore has been used numerous times to compose the numerous times to compose the music for his films.music for his films.

Peter SuschitzkyPeter Suschitzky has been used as has been used as a cinematographer on numerous of a cinematographer on numerous of his films his films

Ronald SandersRonald Sanders has edited has edited numerous of his filmsnumerous of his films

Quentin Tarantino Quentin Tarantino

Everyday/mundane Everyday/mundane Dialogue Dialogue

Integration of Integration of popular music & popular music & memorable memorable soundtrack soundtrack

Stereotypical / Stereotypical / genre characters genre characters saying atypical saying atypical lines lines

PF – Jules talks to PF – Jules talks to Vincent about foot Vincent about foot massages & Discussion massages & Discussion about Madonna’s ‘Like about Madonna’s ‘Like a Virgin’a Virgin’

RD – Stuck in the RD – Stuck in the middle with you KB middle with you KB Bang Bang Bang Bang

PF – Boxers talking PF – Boxers talking about pot bellies RD about pot bellies RD Gangsters talking Gangsters talking about ‘Like a Virgin’about ‘Like a Virgin’

Quentin TarantinoQuentin Tarantino

Films edited by Sally MenkeFilms edited by Sally MenkeCinematography by Tarantino Cinematography by Tarantino

himselfhimselfTarantino uses music from popular Tarantino uses music from popular

culture rather than having music culture rather than having music composed specifically for the filmscomposed specifically for the films

Approaching Exam Questions Approaching Exam Questions

How far is either genre or How far is either genre or authorship about identifying a authorship about identifying a structure or template and structure or template and then testing whether then testing whether particular films fit it particular films fit it

Approaching Exam questions Approaching Exam questions 22

Taking a stance:Taking a stance:

I think that

I also think that

Know This! Know This! Andrew Sarris, an American, in 1962 wrote that auteurs Andrew Sarris, an American, in 1962 wrote that auteurs

should be: technically competent, will have specific should be: technically competent, will have specific signatures (stylistic, thematic or ideological) and their signatures (stylistic, thematic or ideological) and their personality and/or tendencies, consciously or personality and/or tendencies, consciously or unconsciously, will become evidentunconsciously, will become evident

The term Auteur originally came from Andre Bazin when eh The term Auteur originally came from Andre Bazin when eh wrote about it in a French magazine called ‘Cahiers Du wrote about it in a French magazine called ‘Cahiers Du Cinema’Cinema’

Cahiers Du Cinema literally translated means cinema notesCahiers Du Cinema literally translated means cinema notes In 1954 François Truffant wrote an article entitled ‘Une In 1954 François Truffant wrote an article entitled ‘Une

Tendency du Cinema’ criticising French cinema and called Tendency du Cinema’ criticising French cinema and called for auteurs for auteurs

Alfred Hitchcock was recognised as by the Cahiers Du Alfred Hitchcock was recognised as by the Cahiers Du Cinema as an auteur Cinema as an auteur

If you are saying a film is the work of one person are you If you are saying a film is the work of one person are you taking away the achievements of otherstaking away the achievements of others

Know This Know This Some directors, Quentin Tarantino and Steven Spielberg are good Some directors, Quentin Tarantino and Steven Spielberg are good

examples, use the same editors for a range of films – is this examples, use the same editors for a range of films – is this because these directors know what they want or because they like because these directors know what they want or because they like their styletheir style

Some directors use the same characters over and over which Some directors use the same characters over and over which could lead to a signature – Tim Burton and Johnny Depp – Kevin could lead to a signature – Tim Burton and Johnny Depp – Kevin Smith and himself and Jason Mewes Smith and himself and Jason Mewes

Actors can be considered to be auteurs Actors can be considered to be auteurs Production companies can be considered to be auteursProduction companies can be considered to be auteurs Some directors intentionally move away from their particular style Some directors intentionally move away from their particular style

of film – Kevin Smith – Jersey Girl; Robert Rodrieguez – Spy Kidsof film – Kevin Smith – Jersey Girl; Robert Rodrieguez – Spy Kids An audience may become bored by watching the same style/type An audience may become bored by watching the same style/type

of film over and over againof film over and over again If an auteur produces numerous films in a trilogy or Saga does this If an auteur produces numerous films in a trilogy or Saga does this

account for his statusaccount for his status Similar characteristics does not always mean that several films are Similar characteristics does not always mean that several films are

the same the same

Steven SpielbergSteven Spielberg Steven Spielberg – Auteur?Steven Spielberg – Auteur? ““When you’re in a Spielberg movie you know that you are When you’re in a Spielberg movie you know that you are

probably in one of the most memorable films of all time” – Ben probably in one of the most memorable films of all time” – Ben Kingsley Kingsley

““He understands cinema and personal emotion” – Harrison FordHe understands cinema and personal emotion” – Harrison Ford ““He is being given the respect to do the things that he wants to He is being given the respect to do the things that he wants to

do” – Laura Dearne do” – Laura Dearne ““I feel I am all over my movies” – Steven Spielberg I feel I am all over my movies” – Steven Spielberg Spielberg has directed or produced 7out of 20 of the top grossing Spielberg has directed or produced 7out of 20 of the top grossing

films of all time films of all time ““Other people come under the umbrella of his although they are Other people come under the umbrella of his although they are

working their own passions” – Morgan Freemanworking their own passions” – Morgan Freeman Spielberg got his break after directing Amblin.Spielberg got his break after directing Amblin. Duel directed by Spielberg in 1971 had a 14 day shooting Duel directed by Spielberg in 1971 had a 14 day shooting

schedule schedule While filming Sugarland Express Spielberg wanted to change the While filming Sugarland Express Spielberg wanted to change the

ending had “had his backbone placed back into him” by the ending had “had his backbone placed back into him” by the producers, forcing him to keep his ‘unhappy’producers, forcing him to keep his ‘unhappy’

Steven SpielbergSteven Spielberg ending rather than going for “a hit”ending rather than going for “a hit” Jaws was the first film to make more that 100 million Jaws was the first film to make more that 100 million Spielberg chose Jaws as it reminded him of duel Spielberg chose Jaws as it reminded him of duel He was forced into the position of having to amp up the suspension when the He was forced into the position of having to amp up the suspension when the

mechanical shark didn’t workmechanical shark didn’t work After having such a huge hit with Jaws, people started to listen to Spielberg allowing After having such a huge hit with Jaws, people started to listen to Spielberg allowing

him to make Close Encounters of the Third Kindhim to make Close Encounters of the Third Kind He collaborated with Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale to make a comedy for 1941 and He collaborated with Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale to make a comedy for 1941 and

it bombed at the box office and was a critical nightmare it bombed at the box office and was a critical nightmare During the release of Star Wars George Lucas and Spielberg were on holiday together During the release of Star Wars George Lucas and Spielberg were on holiday together

and Lucas gave him the idea to direct Raiders of the Lost Arc which Lucas produced and Lucas gave him the idea to direct Raiders of the Lost Arc which Lucas produced At the time of the discussion Spielberg was thinking of making a Bond film At the time of the discussion Spielberg was thinking of making a Bond film Lucas and Spielberg then collaborated on the two following Raiders films Lucas and Spielberg then collaborated on the two following Raiders films E.T was inspired by the divorce of his parents E.T was inspired by the divorce of his parents E.T was written by other people and then the children in the films added to the E.T was written by other people and then the children in the films added to the

dialogue dialogue The music of Jaws and numerous other films for Spielberg was created by John The music of Jaws and numerous other films for Spielberg was created by John

Williams Williams Heavily influenced by David Lean whom asked him to direct Empire of the SunHeavily influenced by David Lean whom asked him to direct Empire of the Sun The films Always and Hook followed which were not well received by critics or the box The films Always and Hook followed which were not well received by critics or the box

office office Jurassic Park which was filmed from a novel brought a new meaning to special effectsJurassic Park which was filmed from a novel brought a new meaning to special effects

Steven SpielbergSteven Spielberg He was going to do Jurassic Park in the stop motion method with Phill Tippell He was going to do Jurassic Park in the stop motion method with Phill Tippell

who is a “stop motion genius”who is a “stop motion genius” After effects has been used on Terminator 2 and The Abyss the company After effects has been used on Terminator 2 and The Abyss the company

Industrial Light and Magic contacted Spielberg and said that Jurassic Park Industrial Light and Magic contacted Spielberg and said that Jurassic Park could be done with CGIcould be done with CGI

Jurassic Park then became a different movie because of the animation Jurassic Park then became a different movie because of the animation influence influence

Schindler’s List was also a film then began as Schindler’s Ark in novel terms Schindler’s List was also a film then began as Schindler’s Ark in novel terms Spielberg didn’t storyboard the films and was like an abstract painter on set – Spielberg didn’t storyboard the films and was like an abstract painter on set –

Liam Neeson Liam Neeson Ben Kingsley based his character on Steven Spielberg when filming Ben Kingsley based his character on Steven Spielberg when filming

Schindler’s List.Schindler’s List. Saving Private Ryan has been dubbed as, “the most realistic war movie ever Saving Private Ryan has been dubbed as, “the most realistic war movie ever

made”.made”. Saving Private Ryan was a tribute to his dadSaving Private Ryan was a tribute to his dad Amistad was made for his children Amistad was made for his children Schindler’s List gave him the confidence to do Saving Private Ryan.Schindler’s List gave him the confidence to do Saving Private Ryan. Spielberg has used the following people numerous times:Spielberg has used the following people numerous times: Michael Karn – Editor Michael Karn – Editor Janusz Kaminski – Cinematographer Janusz Kaminski – Cinematographer John Williams – Music Composer John Williams – Music Composer

The Coen BrothersThe Coen Brothers

Films:Films:No Country for Old Men, Intolerable No Country for Old Men, Intolerable Cruelty, Fargo, Barton Fink, The Man Cruelty, Fargo, Barton Fink, The Man Who Wasn’t There, The Hudsucker Who Wasn’t There, The Hudsucker Proxy, O Brother Where art Thou, The Proxy, O Brother Where art Thou, The Big Lebowski, Millers Crossing, Big Lebowski, Millers Crossing, Raising Arizona, Blood SimpleRaising Arizona, Blood Simple

The Coen BrothersThe Coen Brothers Films often center around or include a botched crime.Films often center around or include a botched crime. Often creates at least one lengthy sequence in most Often creates at least one lengthy sequence in most

of his films where only music plays as a major event of his films where only music plays as a major event unfoldsunfolds

Often has a certain phrase that is repeated Often has a certain phrase that is repeated throughout the movie or a specific scene.throughout the movie or a specific scene.

Films usually contain at least one fast-talking Films usually contain at least one fast-talking character.character.

His movies often have a victim of a crime who is His movies often have a victim of a crime who is completely unsympathetic (Fargo, Lebowski, Raising completely unsympathetic (Fargo, Lebowski, Raising Arizona)Arizona)

Men often explicitly suffer bizarre and bloody deaths Men often explicitly suffer bizarre and bloody deaths or indignities in their films, but women are typically or indignities in their films, but women are typically harmed off-screen (Fargo, The Big Lebowski, No harmed off-screen (Fargo, The Big Lebowski, No Country for Old Men, Barton Fink).Country for Old Men, Barton Fink).

Lets have another Lets have another look at some look at some questionsquestions

Shocking Cinema Shocking Cinema

Is it true that a second or Is it true that a second or third viewing of a film can third viewing of a film can make it more or less make it more or less shocking?shocking?

Regulation and Censorship Regulation and Censorship

‘‘Regulation and Censorship Regulation and Censorship standards vary from one standards vary from one historical period to another and historical period to another and from one country to another.’ from one country to another.’ How far do your case studies How far do your case studies support Either of Both parts of support Either of Both parts of this statement?this statement?

Genre and AuthorshipGenre and Authorship

What have you found useful What have you found useful to your film studies in the to your film studies in the application of EITHER a genre application of EITHER a genre OR a auteur critical OR a auteur critical approach?approach?