1. FM1: Exploring Film Form
Micro Study Essay
MICRO MACRO
Mise-en-scène Genre
Performance Narrative
Cinematography
Editing
Sound
The focus of FM1 is primarily but not exclusively on micro feature
You need to be able to analyse a sequence of film using micro features
Key to this coursework is that you show knowledge of not only the formal
systems at work within the film, but knowledge of the interaction between film
and spectator, an awareness of your active role as spectators, and thinking
about whether the micro features used have had the ‘desired’ effect on you?
The extent to which responses derive from the micro features of film and the
extent to which they derived from personal and/ or cultural identity will begin
to be explored.
Some questions to get you thinking:
 How does this sequence create suspense?
 How does the sequence move me emotionally?
 Why do I identify strongly with a particular character?
 Why do I find the message(s) contained in the extract so
powerful?
 How universal are responses – even if it seems clear that the
filmmakers’ deployment of micro features has been with the
precise intention of triggering the same response in all
members of the audience?
 How does the film communicate?
 What does the sequence require of the spectator?
In this essay you have to go beyond identifying and describing in
formal/technical terms how micro elements are deployed. It is necessary to
address the question of how the strategies used by the filmmakers impact on
the spectator.
You need to be able to explain adequately why a film extract affects you as it
does. Start work on an extract by asking:
 What is happening to me as I watch this? Why?
 How far is it the use of one or more micro features that is
responsible for my response?

2. Some Advice
 You are encouraged to use frame grabs
to avoid over describing a scene, thus
allowing you to produce a more
analytical piece of work
 Extracts ideally should be self
contained sequences or part of a
sequence which in itself has a
definable beginning and end point
 Extracts should be of genuine interest
to you – so that the work is motivated
by a sense of enquiry
 Characteristic feature(s) that are the
focus for the analysis should be clearly
recognisable within the extract.