FM4: Section A - Urban Stories
For this section of the exam paper it is important to directly answer the question by referring to film sequences from ‘La Haine’, ‘City of God' & ‘Chungking Express’. It is also essential that you use film language (mise-en-scene/camera etc) and make use of key issues such as representation, narrative and genre conventions as well as the social issues at the centre of the topic.
Characters
One approach to reflecting upon the question is to focus upon specific characters rather than trying to cover them all. Although the main characters are central to the themes of the film minor characters also play significant roles in developing the binary oppositions at the core of the films and discussion of them may set your response apart from other candidates.
Sequences
Another way of ensuring an analytical approach is by comparing key sequences and fitting them to the questions. You should do this by giving the examiner a sense of each sequence filmically and not descriptively. Openings, complications, climaxes and resolutions make ideal discussion points, as they tend to draw upon the key issues.
Environment
This is a key factor in this topic as the environment in these films plays a central role in shaping the characters lives. Choices, options and opportunities are limited by the surroundings and urban experience.
- The names of the film’s directors and the year of the release is mentioned early on
- The question is addressed in the opening paragraph
- The keywords in the question are referred to throughout the essay
- Good detailed reference to the film has to be at the core of any answer. Try to use sequences.
- This must have some indications of the use of film language – mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, sound and music.
- If you don’t do this many examiners will view your information as mere description.
- An understanding of narrative and the way it functions may also be required.
- Consider resolution, closure, structure, cause and effect, pace, linear/non-linear.
- Representation is also an issue that should be employed in your answers. This could focus on individuals, groups, location, gender and nationality.
- Refer to genre; in terms of conventions, iconography and expectations.
- Wider contexts need to be employed in your answer. How are these films World Cinema? What influence does the time in which they were made have on these films? What events are they based upon?
- You must compare and contrast these films directly. Look for points where these films share distinctive elements and also if possible where they differ.
- Give your own opinions of the films – linked to what needs to be discussed in terms of the question. Support with reference to the films.
- Try to ‘think outside the box’. Candidates who offer more thought provoking responses tend to get higher marks.
- Write a short conclusion that draws you and the examiner back to the terms of the question. Remember that this is the last thing that they will read before they put a mark down.
- Four to five sides should assure quality and quantity.
Characters
One approach to reflecting upon the question is to focus upon specific characters rather than trying to cover them all. Although the main characters are central to the themes of the film minor characters also play significant roles in developing the binary oppositions at the core of the films and discussion of them may set your response apart from other candidates.
Sequences
Another way of ensuring an analytical approach is by comparing key sequences and fitting them to the questions. You should do this by giving the examiner a sense of each sequence filmically and not descriptively. Openings, complications, climaxes and resolutions make ideal discussion points, as they tend to draw upon the key issues.
Environment
This is a key factor in this topic as the environment in these films plays a central role in shaping the characters lives. Choices, options and opportunities are limited by the surroundings and urban experience.
Approaches to Exam Questions
How far do the films you have studied for this topic offer an analysis of the social issues they present?
- Answer the question as asked.
- Less is sometimes more: structure an argument and choose examples (3 scenes in detail) carefully for maximum impact in relation to the question.
- Bring macro (genre/narrative) and micro (sound/editing/mise-en-scene/cinematography) analysis into your response; extending on the last point, detailed reference and discussion is always better than general description.
- Particularly strong is the ability of candidates to write well on the relationship between form/style and the thematic topic. Making links between text and context shows a far greater understanding of how central issues are visually conveyed.
What is the importance of mise-en-scène and/or sound in creating meaning and generating response in the films you have studied?
- Describe the mise-en-scene in each scene (in detail) and discuss what meaning is conveyed to the viewer in light of your knowledge of the culture of each social environment.
- Discuss how the environment has changed over the course of time in some detail - refer to the way that issues of power, poverty and conflict has changed social structures.
- How does the mise-en-scene reflect and/or reinforce key social messages?
- How does sound reflect or reinforce those key social messages - diegetic and non-diegetic?
- Who has the power at key points in the narrative?
- How did they gain this power?
- What are the consequences of this struggle for control?
- Consider how friendships, relationships and gender are affected by these struggles.
Strong Exam Responses:
- Include detail
- Don't generalise
- Use film language
- Discuss wider contexts
- Are written with confidence
- Understand that film is a visual language