This document discusses the concept of shock in cinema and its effects on spectators. It defines shock not by film genre but by the intense feelings experienced by viewers, which can occur when watching films across genres. It explores what contributes to creating shock, such as social/cultural factors and cinematography techniques. Key examples provided that induce shock include The Accused, The Idiots, and Life of Brian, focusing on how shock is used to question audiences. The document advises analyzing how shock is created and its effect on spectators in the opening of Irreversible.

1. SHOCKING CINEMA WJEC FILM STUDIES FS6

2. This topic is focused on the spectator. Shock is not defined here in terms of the genre of the film (i.e. horror) but by the response of the spectator , who may experience intense feelings while watching a film by, say, Almodovar, or an animated Disney film, or watching a western or a Soviet montage. We are concerned as to why shock occurs . What we consider shock to be in terms of the cinematic experience

3. Defining shock Thus when in a condition of shock, the body is literally over-stimulated, it is taking in too much information v. shocked , shock·ing , shocks v.tr. 1. To strike with great surprise and emotional disturbance. 2. To strike with disgust; offend. 3. To induce a state of physical shock in (a person).

4. What contributes to shock? Social and Cultural factors Context Period in which the film is viewed Where the film is viewed Age Gender Religion Ethnicity Education Class Cultural competence - Pierre Bourdieu

5. Cinematique techniques Camera shot/ framing/ angle Sound Mise-en-scene Lighting Performance/ dialogue SFX Editing

6. What are our key examples The Accused J Kaplan [1988] Hollywood portrayal of rape - Shock as catharsis – shocking the audience into action – questioning your response to the situation The Idiots L Von Trier [1998] World Cinema portrayl of disability – Shock as a social issue – questioning our assumptions of disabilty or filmmakers use of disability Life of Brian T Jones [1979] British responses to organised relgion – shock as puncturing ideological dogma - what is the function of faith in a modern society What other examples are there you could use? Consider what shock is induced and how it is created. We don’t want a list of your favourite shocking scenes.

7. Writing about shocking cinema Using the opening sequence of Irreversible [2002, Gasper Noe] discuss the ways in which; Shock is created through cinematic techniques The effect on the spectator

8. Revision Checklist Have examples – textual analysis is required Decide on what shocking element is being considered Don’t just rely on your judgement – read around the subject Have an opinion What is the purpose of shock? – Be prepared to make a closing statement Engage with the question – don’t go in with a ready made answer Keep your shock options open