HMCS Max Bernays Pre-Deployment Brief (May 2024).pptx
Component 1 section c - Juno
1. Component 1: Key Developments in US Film
Section C: US Independent Film
2. Section C: US independent film
One question on one US independent film:
Focus on Key Elements and SPECIALIST WRITING
Little Miss Sunshine (Dayton/Faris, USA, 2006), 15
Juno (Reitman, USA, 2007), 12
The Hurt Locker (Bigelow, USA, 2008), 15
Whiplash (Chazelle, USA, 2014), 15
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (Gomez-Rejon, USA, 2015), 12
Film choices
3. Learners will study each of their six films
using the following core study areas:
1. Key elements of film form
(cinematography, mise-en-scène, editing
and sound)
2. The contexts of film (social, cultural,
historical, political, and institutional),
including key aspects of the history of
film and film technology.
Subject Content
4. New element to the specification: Specialist Writing
Develop and extend knowledge and understanding of film
Will be set by WJEC and consist of:
• one source on cinematography
• one source on US independent film (source provided in pack
today)
• one film review
The list of sources will be published on WJEC's secure website from
February 2017 and will be valid for at least three years.
Focus Area
9. Visual motifs
• The Lorings motif: Blue Hues
signifying cold, clinical/professional
environment
• Mid Shots highlight the separation
of the couple who are literally
‘separated’
• Signifiers of Perfection, wealth,
monotiny, domestic ‘bliss’, surface
happiness, staged photos of
‘happiness’
• Matching outfits signify entrapment
13. Start with an attempt at a definition
What is Indie Film?
• Free from external constraints – not under the direct control of a larger
organisation
• In film, this means:
• Low budget
• Use of lesser known actors
• More ‘realistic’, less ‘escapist’
• Audience is small and cult or niche
• Creative freedom allows film-makers to explore more controversial topics
• Often critically acclaimed
14. “Looks to create something individual in either its aesthetics
or its ideological viewpoint, or both”
Specialist Writing
15. Female Representation
• Juno character subverts
conventions of female teen
protagonist:
• Fearless, tough, intelligent, mature,
intertextually aware
• Sexually confident & assertive
• Female Narrator (male viewers
must identify with female
protagonist)
• Unconventional Appearance (pale,
short, no make up, casual clothes,
16. Male Representation: Bleeker
• The Unconventional Jock – goes
against generic archetypes
• Named ‘Paulie’ - emasculated
version of ‘Paul’
• Nerd-esque appearance: Pale
skinned, Curly hair, Slim, Gawky
• Childlike (Race Car Bed/Space
Themed Bedroom)
• Shows a more empathetic,
sensitive depiction of the male
• Delicate features; trustworthy &
caring
• Emotionally shy, stutters, cannot
17. Bleeker as Unconventional Jock
Bleeker is introduced through a
series of close ups establishing his
unconventional behaviour &
appearance:
•Comical Sports costume - tight
short shorts, oversized headband
•Non-masculine build - tall, thin &
lanky
18. The Lorings
• Mark:
• Irresposible/
Immature
• Faded Youth
• Mise en scene of
wealthy teen - has a
‘playroom’
• Man boy in retreat
from adulthood
• Vanessa:
• The Breadwinner
• Young Professional
successful career
woman
• Occupies both
public and private
19. 5. Explore how one example of specialist writing on the chosen film you have studied has
deepened your understanding of the film. Refer to at least one sequence from your chosen
film to illustrate your answer.
In your answer, you should:
• Identify the example of specialist writing you are using in the box provided in your answer
book
• Briefly describe one key idea from the example of specialist writing you have studied
• Outline what this key idea suggests about your chosen film
• Show how this idea compares with your own views on the film (use one sequence from your
chosen film to illustrate this). [15]
Assessment Materials
Hinweis der Redaktion
Highlight range of films available to suit nature of group being taught.
Remind of these (but will only need to be brief given coverage in first session).
Clip to illustrate.
Explain that film reviews will be provided by the board (as will all of these sources)
Offer that this can (and should) be developed through the course by offering a wide range of high quality reading material - Sight and Sound as opposed to simply Empire, for example.
Handout 1ci (Provided by the board - example of specialist writing)
Highlight this as a key quote and how this might develop and extend knowledge and understanding of film
Use clip as an example and stress that centres might need to direct students towards particular key sequences/aspects of chosen films related to the specialist writing.
Explain candidates will have choice of which piece to refer to.
Highlight skills of summary needed to address second bullet point, prior to applying to their chosen film
Also highlight need for students to show their own (informed) ideas on the film - link to Paper 2 final question from previous version of spec for legacy teachers.
Use final scene of Whiplash (will need burning to DVD)