How To Study Film Noir

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1 BAA Film Studies 12 Framework District Name: Chilliwack District Number: #33 Developed by: Mr. B. Moore Date Developed: January 2006 School Name: Chilliwack Senior Secondary Principal s Name: Mr. B. Lawrason Board/Authority Approval Date: Board/Authority Signature: Course Name: Film Studies 12 Grade Level of Course: 11 and 12 Number of Course Credits: 4 Number of Hours of Instruction: 120 hours Prerequisite(s): English 10 Special Training, Facilities or Equipment Required: TV, DVD/VCR, Films for viewing, Teacher training/background in film and media studies.

2 Course Synopsis: Film Studies 12 Course Framework Film Studies 12 would be Board/Authority Authorized replacement for current graduation standards of the pre-existing locally developed course History of Film 12. Film Studies 12 is course designed to get students thinking critically about film. By examining different genres, styles, film techniques, directors and their influence students will have a greater understanding of the role and influence film and its related media play in their lives. The aim of the program is to acquaint students with a variety of perspectives on the study of film, hone analytical skills, and enhance a critical appreciation of film culture in historical and social contexts. Rationale The impact of film and media on young people is undeniable. It is easy to see how it influences teen's fashion, speech, purchases, and a great deal of their behaviour. However most teens are passive observers of film, not questioning or thinking about its influences. Film Studies 12 will have students examine the images they are watching to discover their impact. Students will learn the language of film, ideas and concepts behind genres, mise en scene, soundtrack, and editing and analyse their impact on the mood and message of the film. Film Studies 12 will also work to build and reinforce basic skills developed in the study of literature and adapt them to the visual story telling of film. By having students engage in critical thinking about film, they will be more aware and have a greater understanding about what it is they are watching.

3 Organizational Structure Unit Theme Hours Unit 1 Basic Film Concepts and the Well Made Film - Star Wars 10 Unit 2 Film Noir 25 Unit 3 Hitchcock 20 Unit 4 The Western 25 Unit 5 Screwball Comedy 5 Unit 6 Spielberg and the Blockbuster 20 Unit 7 Final Project 20 Total Hours 120 Unit 1 - Basic Film Concepts and the Well Made Film - Star Wars Students will begin their film studies with Star Wars and examine how this one well-made film contains examples of many concepts and ideas in filmmaking. Some of these concepts include: - the film paradigm - the journey of the hero - camera movement - basics of cinematography - mise en scene - identify and define the studied concepts - identify basic camera shots - describe the effects of specific camera shots - describe how placement of objects on the screen has an impact on meaning - compare the journey of the hero from different stories and genres - identify the film paradigm whenever it occurs in a film

4 Unit 2 - Film Noir Students will study the genre of film noir with the films Double Indemnity, Chinatown, and Memento. The examination of film noir will include: - the reasons behind the development and popularity of film noir - the development of neo noir - chiaroscuro lighting and film noir - the defining characteristics of film noir - the portrayal of women in film noir - rearranging of the film paradigm in Memento - comparison of anti-hero in film noir - dialogue in film noir - identify and define the studied concepts - demonstrate interpretation skills - demonstrate various film techniques such as use of light and dark, effect of soundtrack, and editing techniques - demonstrate effective public speaking skills when reviewing a film - cooperate with peers during group projects - compare classic film noir with neo noir

5 Unit 3 - Hitchcock Students will study the work of director Alfred Hitchcock and his impact on the genre of the suspense/thriller in the films Rear Window and Psycho. The examination of Hitchcock thrillers will include: - themes common to Hitchcock films - techniques Hitchcock developed to create and maintain suspense - use of imagery - use of symbols - the "MacGuffin" in Hitchcock films - Hitchcock's impact on film making - identify and describe Hitchcock's themes - identify and describe the twelve techniques Hitchcock developed to create and maintain suspense - compare and contrast Hitchcock's work to the work of others in creating the suspense/thriller - describe how Hitchcock pushed the boundaries of current day standards with each of his films

6 Unit 4 - The Western Students will explore the almost defunct genre of the western and examine how the themes and concepts of the western have now transferred to the modern day genre of the action film. Students will also examine the now common phenomenon of the "re-make" exploring why films are commonly re-filmed for a new audience. The films used for this unit will be Shane, High Noon, and Pale Rider. The study of the western will include: - the identifiers of the western genre - the concept of myth in the western - common myths associated with the western - why the western changed - how the themes common to the western are now found in the action film - why films are re-made - a comparison of Shane and Pale Rider - identify the components of a western film - identify and describe the myths common to the western film - describe why the western film changed to today's modern action film - compare common elements in Shane and Pale Rider - create an argument for which film handled those elements in a more effective manner - describe why films are re-made for a modern audience - demonstrate competent written scene analysis

7 Unit 5 - The Screwball Comedy Students will examine the screwball comedy of the thirties and forties and compare elements with today's modern comedies. His Girl Friday will be the film used for this unit. The study of this film will include: - the identifying characteristics of a screwball comedy - comparison with modern comedy films - an examination of the fast paced dialogue in His Girl Friday and its effect on the film - an acting assignment to challenge students to replicate the acting style of the film - define and describe the characteristics of a screwball comedy - compare and contrast the classic screwball comedy with the comedy film of today - demonstrate basic film acting techniques - demonstrate genre specific acting techniques for screwball comedy - follow direction from the technical director - communicate and problem solve within a group setting - memorize and rehearse a script

8 Unit 6 - Spielberg and the Blockbuster Director Steven Spielberg has had a huge impact on the modern film industry with his films being responsible for the modern blockbuster. Through the examination of Spielberg's Jaws and Raiders of the Lost Ark students will study the following: - how Jaws was a phenomenon not scene before in the film industry - Spielberg's use of Hitchcock's techniques to create suspense in Jaws - when critiquing thirty year old films what causes a film to become dated - the use of music/soundtrack to create suspense/character - the elements that make up an effective action scene - the use of colours and images in Raiders of the Lost Ark - the reinvention of the Saturday afternoon serial film with Raiders of the Lost Ark - identify and describe the elements of an effective action sequence - identify and describe the elements that date a film - compare and contrast the work of directors Hitchcock and Spielberg - discuss the advent of the "blockbuster summer movie" - analyse the integration of visual and audio elements to create an effective suspense scene - explain personal opinion in what makes an effective action sequence - compare elements in serialized adventure films of the thirties and forties with Raiders of the Lost Ark - describe the impact the summer blockbuster has had on the film industry

9 Unit 7 - Final Project In the final project of Film Studies 12 students will continue their examination of a favourite genre of film and demonstrate their understanding of that genre and their critical analysis skill. Students will have the opportunity to choose a film from the previous genres studied and analyse that film. The final project based around that film will involve a synthesis of all previous topics examined. Possible films to be examined would include: - North by Northwest - The Postman Always Rings Twice - The Searchers - Jurassic Park - Bringing Up Baby - describe which genre their film falls into and why - identify the characteristics of specific genres of film - describe the use of lighting, sound, mise en scene and its effects on the film - identify themes within the film - compare and contrast the film with others of its genre - critique the content of the film

10 Instructional Component Instruction in Film Studies 12 will include: - film viewing - direct instruction - partner and group work - discussion - project work Assessment Component Student learning will be evaluated with a variety of assessment methods. These will include written assignments and tests, teacher observations, peer evaluation, self-assessment, out of class assignments, performance task, and participation/dedication to class activities. Learning Resources A VCR/DVD and access to the above mentioned films are needed Additional Information Film Studies 12 would be a board authorized version of the previously board approved locally developed course History of Film 12.