FM1: Exploring Film Form

Written Analysis of a film extract: 1500 words, 30 marks

This work needs to be submitted in January/February 2016.
TASK: Analyse micro elements of film sequence of approximately 3 - 5 mins. You should
focus on no more than two areas from the following list:
Sound
Mise en scene (setting, costume, props, colour)
Performance
Cinematography (camera angles, movement, shot size, lighting, composition)
Editing (techniques and sequencing, organisation of time and space)
Sample question:
How do mise-en-scene and sound combine to create meaning and audience
response in a 3 minute sequence from L.A. Confidential?
Essay plan / structure:
INTRODUCTION
Give brief details of your chosen film, e.g. the title, director, year the film was
made, genre etc.
Identify the purpose of your chosen sequence within the film what meaning
is being created for the audience in general? e.g. introduction of
character/setting/atmosphere/mood; development of character/themes;
emotional/dramatic climax; resolution and restoration of order etc.
MAIN BODY OF YOUR ESSAY
Analyse your sequence in chronological order (in the order it happens)

For each point you should:

- Identify the technique used/describe the film language that is being
used to create meaning;
- Describe the specific example from the film (you are also allowed to
include image grabs);
- Analyse what the film makers have tried to show through their choice of
film language;
- Identify the meaning that is created for you (the viewer). What
emotional reaction are you supposed to have? What do you think or
feel?
- You could also discuss how certain aspects of film language might be
interpreted differently by different viewers.

CONCLUSION
Summarise the techniques used to create meaning for the audience.
Consider how the audience may feel at the end of the sequence/what they
might expect to happen next. If your sequence comes at the end of the film,
consider the impact of the final scene.

FM1: Exploration of Film Form Analysis of Film Extract

Level/marks boundaries
Level 4: 24 30
Level 3 upper: 21 23
Level 3 lower: 18 20
Level 2 upper: 15 17
Level 2 lower: 12 14
Level 1: 0 11

An analysis of film extract 1500 words (30 marks)

Candidates are required to explore how one or more of
mise-en-scene, performance, cinematography, editing
and sound construct meaning and provoke response in a
film extract.

Knowledge and understanding of micro features of film extract have you used
film terminology accurately to give precise references to the film language used in
the chosen extract?

4
3 up.
3 low.
2 up.
2 low.
1

Excellent, confident understanding accurate and extensive use of

terminology
Good understanding accurate use of terminology
Sound understanding generally accurate use of terminology
Some ability to identify techniques and use terminology accurately
Basic ability to identify and describe micro features but knowledge is
insecure, generalised with significant inaccuracies
Very little indication of any knowledge or understanding

Reference to chosen film extract have you described film language elements
precisely and shown how micro elements combine? Is it clear which part of the
extract is being examined? Image grabs can be used to support this section.

4
3 up.
3 low.
2 up.
2 low.
1

Excellent clear and detailed references showing extensive knowledge of

whole film text
Good detail given
Sound sometimes over-lengthy or repetitive
Generally accurate, though inconsistent level of detail
Basis reference but only indicating attention to obvious details
Some reference to elements of film but no clear analytical purpose

Analysis of how micro features produce meaning have you identified what
meaning is created through film language and how this is achieved? Do you
demonstrate a mature understanding of audience response or have you given
obvious responses to film language?

4
3 up.
3 low.
2 up.
2 low.

Excellent, confident understanding high level of personal engagement with

the extract supported by precise references to micro elements
Good - competent appreciation of production of meaning
Sound though lacking in sophistication
Personal response may be clear but lacks link between film text and
response
Personal response may be clearly stated but unsupported by evidence

Little attempt at personal engagement or high on personal response with no

evidence to support this
Understanding of film/spectator interaction have you identified that the filmmaker may purposefully encourage a particular reading of the sequence? Have you
shown that a variety of responses to the film text are possible? You may have used
first person to demonstrate your own personal response and then have made
suggestions about different possible interpretations of meaning and response to the
film text.

4
3 up.
3 low.
2 up.
2 low.
1

Excellent interaction between film text and spectator is perceived as subtle,

complex and resistant to simplistic assumption. Whole film informs
understanding.
Good though more is taken for granted with less evidence of mature
exploration of other interpretations
Sound though lacks broader consideration of conceptual readings
Personal response only is considered though it is supported with evidence
from the sequence
Personal response only considered with little reference to specific details of
film text.
Little evidence of learning and consideration of film/spectator interaction.

Quality of Language and written communication is you work clearly structured?

Are ideas communicated clearly? Are spelling, punctuation and grammar accurate?

4
3 up.
3 low.
2 up.
2 low.
1

Excellently structured and accurate use of appropriate language. SPG are

accurate
Well-structured and accurate use of appropriate language. SPG generally
accurate
Soundly structured and reasonably accurate use of appropriate language and
SPG
Some ability to structure ideas and use appropriate language to
communicate. Some errors in SPG.
Basic ability to structure ideas and use appropriate language to
communicate. Frequent errors in SPG.
Struggles to communicate clearly.

Self-assessment
Personal targets:

Action plan: