WJEC 2010 exam paper

1. GCE AS/A level
1182/01
FILM STUDIES
FM2
British and American Film
A.M. THURSDAY, 21 January 2010
21⁄2 hours
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
In addition to this examination paper, you will need:
• Resource material
• a 12 page answer book.
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
Answer three questions, one from each section.
Write your answers in the separate answer book provided.
INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
Each question carries 40 marks.
The number of marks is given in brackets at the end of each question.
You are reminded that assessment will take into account the quality of written communication
used in your answers.
`JD*(W10-1182-01)

2. 2
FM2: British and American Film
Answer three questions – one from each section.
Section A: Producers and Audiences
Choose one question from this section.
Either
1. Study the items in Part A of the resource material, which include:
– a website article about Hannah Montana and its target audience
– a table showing cinema-going by age
– the cover of an X-Men comic, a film poster and information from a news item
Use this material, together with your own studies, to answer the following question:
What are some of the key factors which influence the kinds of film that get made today? [40]
or
2. Study the items in Part B of the resource material, which include:
– an extract from the Amazon website
– information on Turner Classic Movies
– an advertisement for the screening of a silent film.
Use this material, together with your own studies, to answer the following question:
What are some of the ways in which films from the past are made attractive to contemporary
audiences? [40]
(1182-01)

3. 3
Section B: British Film Topics
Choose one question from this section.
British Film and Genre
You should discuss a minimum of two British films in your answer and base it on one of the following:
Horror or Comedy.
Either
3. To what extent are the narratives of the films you have studied for this topic typical of their
genre? [40]
or
4. How important is the representation of a particular time and place in the films you have
studied for this topic? [40]
British Film and Stars
You should discuss a minimum of two British films in your answer and base it on one of the following:
Julie Christie or Ewan McGregor.
Either
5. To what extent does your chosen star raise gender issues in the films you have studied for this
topic? [40]
or
6. Discuss the similarities and differences in a range of roles performed by your chosen star. [40]
British Film and Production Companies
You should discuss a minimum of two British films in your answer and base it on one of the following:
Ealing Studios or Working Title.
Either
7. How far do the narratives of the films you have studied for this topic communicate similar
messages and values? [40]
or
8. ‘A production company often casts the same or similar actors in key roles, and this
contributes to the overall identity of the company over a period of time.’ How far have you
found this to be the case in the films you have studied for this topic? [40]
British Film: Cultural Study
You should discuss a minimum of two British films in your answer and base it on one of the following:
Swinging Britain 1963-1973 or Thatcher’s Britain: the 1980s.
Either
9. In what ways do the narratives of the films you have studied for this topic explore social and
cultural issues of the period? [40]
or
10. How far do key characters in the films you have studied for this topic represent changing
values and attitudes? [40]
(1182-01) Turn over.

4. 4
British Film: Social-Political Study – ‘Living with Crime’
You should discuss a minimum of two British films in your answer.
Either
11. How far do the films you have studied for this topic depend on genre conventions to tell their
stories? [40]
or
12. How are different groups of people represented in the films you have studied for this topic?
[40]
British Film: Identity Study – ‘Borders and Belonging’
You should discuss a minimum of two British films in your answer.
Either
13. How is narrative used to present the difficulties faced by key characters in the films you have
studied for this topic? [40]
or
14. What are some of the ways in which your studies have contributed to your understanding of
the issues raised in the films you have chosen for this topic? [40]
Section C: American Film – Comparative Study
Choose one question from this section.
You should compare a minimum of two American films in your answer.
Either
15. How important is place in contributing to key themes in the American films you have studied
for this topic? [40]
or
16. Discuss similarities and differences in the representation of masculinity in your chosen
American films. [40]
(1182-01)