This document provides information about the key elements studied for US independent films for a film studies course. Students will study five independent films from 2006 to 2015, analyzing the films' cinematography, mise-en-scène, editing, sound, and their social and historical contexts. A new element requires students to complete specialist writing assignments analyzing sources on cinematography, US independent film, and a film review. The document gives examples analyzing elements like color palette, visual motifs, and character representations in the film Juno to illustrate how to analyze a film's key elements.

1. Component 1: Key Developments in US Film
Section C: US Independent Film

2. Section C: US independent film
One question on one US independent film:
Focus on Key Elements and SPECIALIST WRITING
Little Miss Sunshine (Dayton/Faris, USA, 2006), 15
Juno (Reitman, USA, 2007), 12
The Hurt Locker (Bigelow, USA, 2008), 15
Whiplash (Chazelle, USA, 2014), 15
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (Gomez-Rejon, USA, 2015), 12
Film choices

3. Learners will study each of their six films
using the following core study areas:
1. Key elements of film form
(cinematography, mise-en-scène, editing
and sound)
2. The contexts of film (social, cultural,
historical, political, and institutional),
including key aspects of the history of
film and film technology.
Subject Content

4. New element to the specification: Specialist Writing
Develop and extend knowledge and understanding of film
Will be set by WJEC and consist of:
• one source on cinematography
• one source on US independent film (source provided in pack
today)
• one film review
The list of sources will be published on WJEC's secure website from
February 2017 and will be valid for at least three years.
Focus Area

5. Analysing ‘The Key
Elements’
• Cinematography
• Mise en Scene
• Editing
• Sound
Juno Case Study – Starting Points

6. How would you
describe the mise
en scene here?

7. And here?

8. The film uses Contrasting Colour Palettes/motifs

9. Visual motifs
• The Lorings motif: Blue Hues
signifying cold, clinical/professional
environment
• Mid Shots highlight the separation
of the couple who are literally
‘separated’
• Signifiers of Perfection, wealth,
monotiny, domestic ‘bliss’, surface
happiness, staged photos of
‘happiness’
• Matching outfits signify entrapment

10. Mark as Prisoner

11. Juno as Outsider

12. Analysing Specialist
Writing
• SEE ARTICLE 1 IN PACK
Juno Case Study – Starting Points

13. Start with an attempt at a definition
What is Indie Film?
• Free from external constraints – not under the direct control of a larger
organisation
• In film, this means:
• Low budget
• Use of lesser known actors
• More ‘realistic’, less ‘escapist’
• Audience is small and cult or niche
• Creative freedom allows film-makers to explore more controversial topics
• Often critically acclaimed

14. “Looks to create something individual in either its aesthetics
or its ideological viewpoint, or both”
Specialist Writing

15. Female Representation
• Juno character subverts
conventions of female teen
protagonist:
• Fearless, tough, intelligent, mature,
intertextually aware
• Sexually confident & assertive
• Female Narrator (male viewers
must identify with female
protagonist)
• Unconventional Appearance (pale,
short, no make up, casual clothes,

16. Male Representation: Bleeker
• The Unconventional Jock – goes
against generic archetypes
• Named ‘Paulie’ - emasculated
version of ‘Paul’
• Nerd-esque appearance: Pale
skinned, Curly hair, Slim, Gawky
• Childlike (Race Car Bed/Space
Themed Bedroom)
• Shows a more empathetic,
sensitive depiction of the male
• Delicate features; trustworthy &
caring
• Emotionally shy, stutters, cannot

17. Bleeker as Unconventional Jock
Bleeker is introduced through a
series of close ups establishing his
unconventional behaviour &
appearance:
•Comical Sports costume - tight
short shorts, oversized headband
•Non-masculine build - tall, thin &
lanky

18. The Lorings
• Mark:
• Irresposible/
Immature
• Faded Youth
• Mise en scene of
wealthy teen - has a
‘playroom’
• Man boy in retreat
from adulthood
• Vanessa:
• The Breadwinner
• Young Professional
successful career
woman
• Occupies both
public and private

19. 5. Explore how one example of specialist writing on the chosen film you have studied has
deepened your understanding of the film. Refer to at least one sequence from your chosen
film to illustrate your answer.
In your answer, you should:
• Identify the example of specialist writing you are using in the box provided in your answer
book
• Briefly describe one key idea from the example of specialist writing you have studied
• Outline what this key idea suggests about your chosen film
• Show how this idea compares with your own views on the film (use one sequence from your
chosen film to illustrate this). [15]
Assessment Materials