Last Essay for the Unit!

I have been really impressed with the essays I've had for the British Film: Identity Study – ‘Borders and Belonging’ unit. The work I have marked has used specific and detailed MICRO examples from Somers Town, Last Resort and Ghosts to answer the question.

The final essay titles have been taken from pat papers from this unit. You only have to answer ONE question. However I am happy to mark more.

In the exam failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

Essay questions:

What are some of the different ways in which power is represented in the films you have studied for this topic?

In what ways are borders – either real or symbolic – central to the narrative of the films you have studied for this topic?

How is narrative used to present the difficulties faced by key characters in the films you have studied for this topic?

What are some of the ways in which your studies have contributed to your understanding of the issues raised in the films you have chosen for this topic?

Ghosts scene 'A New Beginning'

We looked at the scene when Ai Qin leaves Thetford for Morecombe. This scene is important as it illustrates the themes of exclusion and belonging. The camerawork, mise-en-scene, lighting, actor's performance and editing all raise levels of verisimilitude. In other words the scenes look realistic. This realism is reinforced through the deliberate use of specific MICRO features.

The question below should help you to frame your notes. Remember that for A/B grades in the exam you need to make specific and detailed reference to the films.

Question:

How does the scene 'A New Beginning' from Ghosts use MICRO features (camerawork, mise-en-scene, lighting, actor's performance and editing) to reinforce the themes of exclusion and belonging?

Aim for a minimum of 350 words. Ask Guy if you want to borrow the DVD or get a copy from the college library.

Last Resort Mini-essay

"How does the extract 'On The Move' from Last Resort use MICRO language to communicate to the audience that Tanya and Artiom are trapped?"

Aim for 300-500 words. Use specific MICRO features from the extract to explain your answer

Active Research and Discussion Question

"In British films immigrant communities find it hard to integrate into British society". Find examples for and against this statement from the three films we have studied in class. Use specific and detailed MICRO examples from the films to back up your points.


"Britain is represented as a hostile and unfriendly place in film". Discuss this statement with specific and detailed reference to MICRO and MACRO elements from Ghosts, Somers Town and Last Resort.

Mock Exam: Borders and Belonging

Please complete an essay plan for both of the WJEC exam questions.

What MICRO elements from Ghosts, Last Resort and Somers Town can you use to answer the question?

Your essay plan can be in bullet points or a spidergram that illustrates the key MICRO elements that you would include in an essay.

After you have completed your essay plans (should take about 15 - 20 mins per plan) please complete a full written response to the essay question that you feel most confident answering.

Things to submit to Guy:

2 X essay plans (40 mins work)

1 X essay (45 mins work)

Please hit the blue WJEC logo on the right to access all of the AS Film Studies past papers since 2009. Feel free to have a go at any of the questions - I'm happy to mark any work you do.

Shane Meadows and Pawel Pawlikowski

Shane Meadows


Pawel Pawlikowski

Do a bit of research on the two directors. What films have they made? Are they known for making a particular style or genre of films? Do they work with the same actors in their films? Why was Shane Meadows attracted to Somers Town? Why did Pawel Pawlikowski want to shoot Last Resort?

Ghosts Beat Sheet

Open publication - Free publishing - More beat sheet

Last Resort Beat Sheet

Last resort beat sheet

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Download a Word copy of the file here

Somers Town Beat Sheet

Somers town beat sheet

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Download a Word copy of the file here

Ghosts Research Tasks

Article from Nick Broomfield about the making of Ghosts http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2007/jan/10/modernslaveswithoutaghost

Guardian review of Ghosts http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2006/oct/24/londonfilmfestival2006.londonfilmfestival

Ghosts MySpace page http://www.myspace.com/ghoststhemovie.
Activity: Watch the video 'The Making of Ghosts' - what research did Nick Broomfield complete before making the film? Why were the Chinese immigrants tempted to go to England?

Nick Broomfield discussing Ghosts

Activity:
How big was the crew for Ghosts?
Did Broomfield use professional actors?
Why did Broomfield chose to shoot Ghosts handheld?
How has technology helped Broomfield?
Was the language barrier a problem for Broomfield?
Where did Broomfield shoot the film? Why?
What was Broomfield's main concern about using non-actors?
What cameras did he use to film Ghosts?
What was Ghosts edited on?
Do a little bit of research on the cameras and editing software.


Wider issues and debates:
The web site below is for the UK Border Agency. Have a look at the rules. What barriers are there for non-EU people entering the UK?
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/policyandlaw/immigrationlaw/immigrationrules/part1/

Below are web-sites for three major human rights charities. I would like you to pick a charity and research their work. What does the charity do? What campaign is the charity currently involved in?
http://www.amnesty.org.uk/
http://www.unchosen.org.uk/
http://www.antislavery.org.uk/