Shared Flashcard Set

Details

Advanced Film Theory
test 2
24
Communication
Undergraduate 4
03/19/2013

Additional Communication Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
How to evaluate the theme of a film
Definition

what is the film's basic appeal? - intellect/funnybone/moral sense

look at how the protagonist and antagonist are alike and look at how the protagonist and reflection character are different - this can show you the theme

Term
5 major elements that might be emphasized to reveal the theme
Definition
Plot, emotional effect/mood, character, style/texture/structure, ideas
Term
Types of "Ideas Theme" films
Definition
moral implications, the truth of human nature, social problems, the struggle for human dignity, the complexity of human relationships, coming of age/loss of innocence, a moral or philosophical riddle
Term
moral implications - ideas theme
Definition
convince us of the wisdom of the moral principle so we do it ourselves - ex. Big (wishes to be a grown up)
Term
the truth of human nature - ideas theme
Definition
focus on universal characters (types) - significance beyond themselves - ex. Lord of the Rings
Term
social problems - ideas theme
Definition
criticizing social institutions - want to say there is a problem - ex) Dead Man Walking
Term
the struggle for human dignity - ideas theme
Definition
sports movies - ex. Rocky
Term
the complexity of human relationships - ideas theme
Definition
romantic, friendships, familial - ex. Casa Blanca
Term
coming of age - ideas theme
Definition

younger characters that are always dynamic

ex. American Graffitti, Clueless, Sixteen Candles

Term
moral or philosophical riddle - ideas theme
Definition

response at the end tends to be confusing

ex. Being John Malkovich

Term
plot theme
Definition

tends to be an action film - fast paced plot

meant to entertain

not much depth 

ex. Fast and Furious, Speed

Term
emotional effect/mood theme
Definition

suspense, thriller, horror, romantic film

combination of mood

ex. Notting Hill, Psycho

Term
Character theme
Definition

the character is extraordinary

ex. Forrest Gump

Term
style,texture,structure theme
Definition

a unique tone, presentation, style, rhythm

ex. 500 days, Eternal Sunshine

Term
symbol
Definition
¡Communicates an idea by stimulating, triggering, or arousing previously associated ideas/notions/ impressions in the mind of the person receiving the symbol. Thus, the symbol acquires a significance beyond itself
Term
two types of symbols
Definition
universal (the flag), natural (a vulture)
Term
4 ways to create symbolic meaning
Definition
repetition, value, context, special visual or aural elements
Term
examples of symbols in film
Definition

The Outsiders - the scar on Pony Boy's face

 

Term
Karl Marx
Definition

Critiqued capitalist culture in the 19th century

Social, political, economic consequences

Saw conflict between working and owning classes until classless society came about

 
Term
Marxists
Definition

Stated that the ruling classes maintained their power and control by producing an ideology that fooled the masses into believing the place they occupied was the best it could be, and so discouraged change

 
Term
Problems Marxists have with film
Definition

tend to reaffirm the dominant ideas

individual characters solving their own problems through their own efforts (marxists like group work)

the mechanics/camera hides the authenticity

presents time and space as real even though its not

films are made to make money - marx hates profit

ex. - Crash (racial tensions)

Term
two successful women directors during WWI
Definition
Francis Marion and Dorothy Arzner
Term
feminist film critics want to:
Definition

show how traditional film langauge reflects a masculine ideology

reveal that portrayals of women in film are male fantasies, not reality

show where male protagonists are active while women are passive

Term
examples of feminist films
Definition
Shakespeare in Love, The Graduate, Fried Green Tomatoes, Thelma and Louise
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