A2 Film Research Areas

It's about time to start deciding what to pick for your research project at A2.

You have to select a critical approach from one of the following:
. star/performer
• genre
• auteur (in its broadest sense)
• social, political and cultural studies
• gender issues
• ethnicity
• institution
• technology

You then pick one film as your focus film to base your study on.

Finally you need to select at least 2 other films to relate it to.

You then devise a title that you will then investigate by conducting your own research.

You will produce a presentation script and powerpoint slides based on what you have found out.

You will also produce a catalogue of all the sources you have used with descriptions of their usefulness and relevance and include a few sources which you looked at but chose not to use with reasons.

So, what can you study?

Interesting past titles:
GENRE Romance for Men: using Knocked Up, Sin City, In Search of a Midnight Kiss this investigation studied how the romance genre is traditionally intended for female audiences. The investigation examined how many films for males have romantic narratives but cover them by creating hybrid films.


GENRE Vampires New Prey: using The Lost Boys, Twilight, Near Dark, Let the Right One In this investigation looked at how the vampire sub-genre manages to reinvent itself to maintain popularity and seek to find new audiences.

AUTEUR John Hughes Babyboomer Ideals in 80s Teen Comedies: using Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Pretty in Pink and The Breakfast Club this investigation looked at what recognisable elements were used in Hughes' films to suggest he s an auteur.

ETHNICITY Tackling racism in US cinema: using American History X, Do the Right Thing and Crash this investigation looked at issues of racism and whether cinema tackles or incites racism.

GENDER ISSUES: Breaking through the Glass Ceiling: using The Hurtlocker, American Psycho and Lost in Translation this investigation involved looking at gender inequalities in mainstream cinema and explored female directors who have surprised and succeeded in a male dominated industry.

Spike Jonze I'm Here

I'm here Made in association with Absolut Vodka, Jonze has directed a beautifully moving 30 minute love story.  The film documents the relationship between 2 robots and features gigs, loss of limbs and altruism.  The whole website experience is one to enjoy and shows how the Internet can be an excellent venue for film viewing.  You can enter the cinema, sit back and enjoy as the curtains open and the film begins. As expected with Jonze the soundtrack is superb. If you want a bigger experience you can use social networking sites to spread the word and  encourage all of your friends to watch it with you. You are required to be over 18 when entering the site, purely because of the alcohol association.  All that is required is a date of birth. Enjoy the trailer.