3. What are the problems with the
phrasal term “social realism”?
The main problem with the phrasal term
“social realism” is that it is put in place
with other terms, Such as “kitchen sink”.
This makes the phrase confusing and
difficult to remember as it has many
different meanings.
4. What is the critical consensus about
“realism”?
The critical consensus about “realism” is
the dominant form of representation in the
western world.
5. What factors helped to create the
context within which the realist
impulse first developed?
The factor which helped create the context
within which the realist impulse first
developed is; a period of change which
involved people moving from the country
to the city. The idea of communism and
socialism in politics and the secularisation
of society.
6. What was the development of realism
in the nineteenth century?
The development of realism in the
nineteenth century was ‘critical realism’
this appeared as a oppositional expression
and representation.
7. What is carroll’s suggestion?
Carroll’s suggestion was that the term
should only be used with a prefix
attachment such as ‘social-realism’.
9. Describe the development of realism
in the arts at the end of the
nineteenth century.
The development of realism in the arts at the
end of the nineteenth century were that
literature, theatre and the fine arts which were
already developing realists features (aesthetics)
through formal and stylistic approaches and
devices. This helps to show the natural
environment and things as they are.
10. What new possibilities did
photography bring?
Photography brought new possibilities
such as capturing ‘life as it is lived’. This
allows the audience/viewer to see the
natural view of each realist text.
11. What was the common quest shared
by all media?
The common quest shared by all media
was to present reality or the truth; but this
is hard to find as everybody has a different
opinion to the next person.
12. What is the problem with the truth?
The problem with the truth is that
everybody sees a different version of the
truth. One person sees the truth different
to the next person which makes it difficult
for realist texts directors to please
everybody.
13. What did Kraucher believe and what did
his ideas about realism in film have on
common with Zola’s about naturalism?
Kraucher believed that film was capable of
representing the real and should do this
with as little false elements as possible.
Kraucher’s theory and Zola’s theory about
naturalism both looked at representing
things as they were without stereotyping .
14. What did Gerhardie believe to be the
goal of naturalism?
Gerhardie believed the goal of naturalism
was to recreate the complete illusion of
real life using the characteristics of real life.
15. Describe Bazin’s argument.
Bazin’s argument was that realism should
provide room for the audience to find their
own realities within realist film texts.He
also argues that technique such as depth
of shots and long takes would allow the
room for the audience to decide.
16. What do all of these approaches
commonly seek?
All of these approaches commonly seek to
represent the truth through the codes and
conventions associated with realism texts.
17. How do Branston and Stafford differentiate
between “realistic” nature of a hollywood film
and other “realist” texts?
Branston and Stafford differentiate between
“realistic” and “realist” by stating for a film to be
realist it must have one of two characteristics. The
characteristics include the film-maker must of
intended to capture the actual event depicted and
the film-maker must have a message or argument
to put across about the social world and use realist
conventions to portray that message. Realistic is the
way in which a film is made compared to how it
would be in reality.
19. Why is social realism so difficult to
define?
Social realism is difficult to define because
it is both political and historical. The term
is understood in a variety of ways. Each
individual could interpret it differently.
20. How according to Hill are current
realist texts linked to those from the
past?
According to Hill current realist texts are
linked to those of the past by writing below
their own appeal to uncover reality by
uncovering the false features and
conventionality of what had previously
passed for reality.
21. What does Samnatha Lay say is a key
feature of realist texts?
Samantha Lay says the key feature of
realist texts is the way characters and
places are linked in order to explore some
aspects of contemporary life in a similar
way to naturalism.
22. How do Hallam and Marshment
explain this defining characteristic?
Hallam and Marshment explain this
defining characteristic as a characteristic of
social realism which they define as a
discursive term used to describe the
environment of a film.
23. How does Lowenstein see social
realism?
Lowenstein sees social realism as being
'bound up with moments of contemporary
Social crisis‘.
24. What are raymond Williams' four
criteria for defining realist texts?
Raymond Williams' four criteria of defining
realist texts are: secular-propelled towards
reason and logic;grounded in comtemporary-in
terms of setting,characters and social issues;social
extension-extending the range of characters and
topics to include under-represented groups and
issues in society and focus on the intent of the
artist-varying degrees influenced by the political
intent of the artist.
