ROGER EBERT
“It's not what a movie is about,
it's how it is about it.”
What Is Film Studies?
Film Studies is an exciting, relevant and contemporary course that explores the art of film. It will develop your knowledge and understanding of a diverse range of film styles and genres, reflecting different social, cultural, political, historical and technological contexts. Film Studies offers the opportunity to develop vital transferable skills which are applicable across many A Level subjects and degrees, as well as well as being essential for when you are ready to enter the world of work.​
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What Film Studies Isn't
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Film studies is less concerned with advancing proficiency in film production than it is with exploring the narrative, artistic, cultural, economic, and political implications of cinema. In searching for these social-ideological values, film studies takes a series of critical approaches for the analysis of production, theoretical framework, context, and creation.
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Film Studies: Critical Approaches (2000)
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The Importance of Film
Films help us learn about the world
We can learn a huge amount about certain moments in time or certain perceptions of moments in time" from watching films. In other words, films can shape the way we're making sense of the world we're living in right now — regardless of the period they're set in.
Films help us process difficult life lessons
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Films can be "a safe space" where we can find alternative role models to identify with, and observe those characters' behaviours as they tackle challenges similar to our own. Some viewers also find metaphors or symbols in films that help them grapple with major life challenges.
Films can inspire and drive social change
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Films have always inspired social change due to their ability to teach viewers about experiences outside their own perspective, inspire empathy, and raise politically charged questions. Some films, in particular documentaries, have had a direct affect on the issues they raise, such as Super Size Me.
Films are (still) a social experience
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Box office ticket sales are on the rise, and 'para-cinematic exhibition experiences' (movie events in bars, or rooftop cinemas) are becoming increasingly popular. Even where we do stream movies at home, we increasingly find ways to connect with friends and communities over films — including on social media, or pop culture websites.
Films are an art form
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Film is a "combinatory art form", as well as a form of entertainment. Simply watching a film can be a way of appreciating art and heightening your cultural awareness — in a format that is more accessible to many of us than a gallery. Remember how many skilled artists are involved in the making of a film - it is a truly a melding of creative minds!
What do we study?
HISTORY
POLITICS
INDUSTRY
CULTURE
SOCIETY
In the two years of studying film, you will cover many different topics which overlap. You will research and analyse movies - both mainstream and arthouse - from various national, global and historical contexts. You will also learn and apply specialist terminology and theories to the texts studied.
Areas of focus will be:
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How the key elements of film (mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing, sound, performance) create meaning
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The construction of a film's aesthetics (the look and 'mood' of a film)
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Global film styles and conventions
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Film movements and stylistic developments in film
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The representation of cultures and societies in films
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The different ways in which spectators respond to film
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How to apply critical approaches to the analysis of a film.
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