Film Studies - AS

Component 1: American Film

The focus is on the study of contemporary Hollywood cinema from the 1960s onwards and on American independent films.  You will study narrative, genre, representation, themes and context of particular films and how each of these filmic elements guides your understanding of the production of film within a particular time period.  Possibly case-study films include Bonnie and Clyde, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Inception, and Django Unchained. 

This module will be externally assessed with a 1 ½ hour examination.

Component 2: European film

The focus is on the study of British film and non-English European film.  Part of the component will be an historical comparative study of two British films such as Brief Encounter and Atonement, considering and analysing the thematic links or links through issues which the films raise.  You will also study one European, non-English based film, such as Pan’s Labyrinth or Ida, considering its distinctive European context and theme.

This module will be externally assessed with a 1 ½ hour examination.

Component 3: Production

This component comprises an individually based production which relates to the creative aspects of the film industry. This synoptic piece of work will allow you to put into practice the filmmaking ideas you have developed throughout the course of study.  The production may take the form of a filmed extract from a feature film of your own creation, or a screenplay extract with a strong focus on narrative.    

The module is assessed internally and by external moderation and is worth 30% of your overall grade.

Individual Subject Entry Requirements English Language minimum B

Written exams and coursework assignment

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