Narrative and Westerns

Good morning. Just a reminder that your narrative AS response is due in tomorrow (30th April). The question was:

 Discuss some of similarities and differences between the two films you have studied with reference to narrative features.

Remember this question is about comparing and contrasting the two films. Connectives which enable you to compare features in both narratives/themes/messages and values are essential.  For example:  similarly, as well as, in the same way, both, like, in a similar way are essential. It is equally important to discuss the differences e.g. however, whereas, but, in contrast, alternatively, on the other hand, in a different way.

Remember the key to this question is to show that you know and can compare elements of both films. Remember, my advice is to use the narrative theories as way to, ‘step into the film and zoom in’ on key scenes.

Think about similarities/differences in the:

• Equilibrium/openings

• Resolutions

• Conflict stages

• Explore the binary opposites (Strauss) in terms of hero/villain – (Propp)

• Consider if Barthes' codes help you write about key scenes films e.g – Enigma/Hermeneutic/Semantic  Codes (Micro features for the Semantic Code e.g significance of the gun, colour/clothing, what the homestead represents = roots, family values.

Use the narrative theories as a way to demonstrate your excellent filmic knowledge of both films!

Good luck

Section C - Westerns Exam Question

Your question for homework is this:

In the American films you have studied for this topic, how far do the representations of men reflect the time when they were made?

Remember to write a plan for your response and identify comparisons and contrasts in the representation of men in both films.

Points to consider:

• Stereotypical male roles in Westerns
• Hero/Villain
• Family
• Valour/Honour/Respect
• Gender roles
• Patriarchal society
• Messages and values communicated to the audience watching these character roles
• Context of the film's setting (geographically and historically)
• Context of the film's production (Shane 1953 and 3:10 to Yuma 2007)

You must make close reference to both films in your response.

Section A Materials

Exemplar Exam Questions


How important are film reviews in determining whether or not people choose to see a film?

What different kinds of attraction are offered to audiences by ‘home cinema’ compared with seeing a film at the cinema?

What is the significance of a large film company like Warner Bros being part of an even larger media empire (stimulus – chart)

How important is it for the British film industry to have internationally recognised stars? (The stimulus were film posters of Kiera Knightley)

What is the importance for audiences of the images used in movie posters and dvd covers? (posters)

What do you find interesting in the pattern of cinema-going by age group in the UK today? (British cinema ) (stimulus – chart)

What is the value to the film industry of having stories about the private lives of stars presented in the media? (Stimulus – articles)

Do you think it is a good idea to require UK television companies to put money into the financing of UK films? (Stimulus – articles) British Films

How are audiences attracted to different kinds of films? (stimulus – film posters)

How far does your experience of watching films depend upon the technology used to view them? (stimulus – user reviews of blue ray disc of “Black Hawk Down”)

(How far does the power of stars influence which films are made in Hollywood? (stimulus – comments on George Clooney and Tom Cruise on how George managed to get his films made and how Tom chose his films.)

What strategies do you think can be used to create a successful British Film Industry?

Easter Booster Resources

For those of you who did not attend the booster session on Thursday (and those of you who came late).

The first few slides are feedback from the exam question you did with me (in the meeting room) before we broke up for Easter. Please read them carefully and complete the homework task.

The second part of the PPT is an introduction to the Western Genre.

Your focus films for Section C are:
Shane [1993]
3:10 to Yuma [2007]

If any of you need any more support with this then send me an email.

Easter Booster

Section C: American Comparative - Westerns

Section C

American Comparative Study (40 marks)

You are required to compare and contrast two films from the same genre or dealing with a specific theme.

The questions will have an emphasis on the relationship between aspects of film’s narrative in relation to generic characteristics.

1. The first question will be based primarily on narrative study.
2. The second will be based on contextual study.

Issues of representation will be common to both questions.

You will only answer one question.