FM4 - World Cinema (power, poverty and conflict): past questions

For this answer, you have the option of two questions.  One question will be about the messages and values (themes, ideas, political stance, ideology, etc.)  in the film and the other will be about technical features (camerawork, editing, sound, mise-en-scene).

The 'messages and values' question requires more of a macro approach, where you consider the film as a whole.  The 'technical' question requires more of a micro approach, where you refer in detail to scenes from each film.  If you choose the micro approach, you will still need to write about how technical features create messages and values but you can confine yourself to the messages and values in your chosen scene(s).  If you choose the technical approach, you need to decide how many scenes you are going to use.  You could analyse one scene from each film or you could use the best examples drawn from several scenes in each film.  You do not have time to analyse several scenes in detail from each film.

If the technical question is about style you still write about micro features but you will need to compare the styles of your three films and perhaps make references to other films that your focus films have been compared to.  You might also write about the genres that they fit into and their generic conventions.

Remember to compare and contrast the three films in terms of messages or values or micro features.

Obviously you need to choose the question that you are best prepared to answer.

1. Explore how the representation of urban environments contributes to the key themes of your chosen films.
2. ‘The stylistic choices made by filmmakers define not just the look but also the meaning of a film.’ How far is this true of the films you have studied for this topic?  (June 2012)

1. Compare the different ways in which conflict between the poor and the powerful are represented in the films you have studied for this topic.
2. How significant is editing and/or sound in contributing to the power of the narrative in the films you have studied for this topic? (Jan 2012)

1. What is the importance of cinematography and/or editing in communicating issues of power, poverty and conflict in the films you have studied for this topic?
2. Compare the different ways in which conflict between the poor and the powerful are represented in the films you have studied for this topic.  (June 2011)

1. Compare the attitudes to poverty conveyed in the films you have studied for this topic.
2. Explore how stylistic choices contribute to the representation of the urban experience in the films you have studied for this topic.  (Jan 2011)

1. How far does the impact of the films you have studied for this topic depend on distinctive uses of film techniques?
2. How far do the films you have studied for this topic offer an analysis of the social issues they present?  (June 2010)

More past papers here http://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/qualification-resources.html?subject=FilmStudies&level=GCEASA&pastpaper=true