T H E F I L M S T U D I E S W E B S I T E O F B E N T O N P A R K S C H O O L
The ability of candidates to engage in critical study of a single film is examined in this
section.
The synoptic dimension is clear – as there is the expectation that the candidate's cumulative learning will be brought to bear in this study.
Critical approaches that may be applied include those arising from the frameworks
for the FM3 research project while contextual study will consolidate work completed
for FM2 and FM4 Sections A and B.
The role of macro and micro elements of film in the construction of meaning and the creation of emotion informs the specification as a whole.
Each of the films available for study has given rise to much debate in its critical
reception and each lends itself to study within one or more of the critical frameworks
listed for FM3.
A consideration of some of these debates (see below) and the application of critical frameworks will provide the basis for the candidate's own engagement with the film.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
This section is described as a “critical study”. The primary energy for this
will come from the student’s own application of learning – as outlined
above.
However, reading, reflecting upon and debating a variety of critical writing on the chosen film is also invited.
This may be regarded as a new and
additional skill being introduced at the very end of the course.
It is expected that students will go into the examination aware of the major
debates (and sometime controversies) surrounding their chosen film and will
have established their own critical views in the context of this knowledge.
It is assumed that this knowledge will have come from writing that has some
critical status – and is not all taken from the Rotten Tomatoes website
Section C: Single Film – Critical Study
THE EXAM (A01 and A02, 30 marks)
One question to be answered from a choice of two questions general to all films and a specific question set for each film prescribed.