Carol

Question 1

What novel is the film Carol based on?

Answer 1

The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith

Question 2

What type of film was Carol shot on?

Answer 2

Super 16mm film

Question 3

Who secured the green light for the film Carol after delays?

Answer 3

Todd Haynes

Question 4

What was a significant theme in the film Carol regarding homosexuality?

Answer 4

Society is the problem, not their sexuality

Question 5

What does Carol mark a shift towards in cinema?

Answer 5

Queer Cinema entering the mainstream

Question 6

List key themes explored in the film Carol.

Answer 6

• Sexuality
• Romance
• Attraction & Desire
• Societal pressure & expectation
• Class
• Rebellion and Choice
• Motherhood
• Public vs Private

Question 7

What does Heterosexuality traditionally refer to?

Answer 7

Male/female relationships in line with established gender roles

Question 8

Who argued that heterosexuality is a political, ideological institution?

Answer 8

A… R… in her 1980 article ‘C… H… and L… E…’

Question 9

What does homosexuality threaten according to the ideological analysis?

Answer 9

The hegemonic power dynamic

Question 10

How do representations of sexuality interact with hegemonic sexuality?

Answer 10

They either endorse or challenge it

Question 11

Identify the three key sexual relationships represented in Carol.

Answer 11

• Carol and Therese
• Therese and Richard
• Carol and Harge

Question 12

What does the opening scene of Carol challenge?

Answer 12

Hegemonic representations of homosexuality as ‘other’ or ‘deviant’

Question 13

What approach can limit our understanding of a film according to the text?

Answer 13

Analysing a film using only one ideological approach

Question 14

What is Todd Haynes known for in his filmmaking style?

Answer 14

Referencing the familiar with the unfamiliar

Question 15

What is the significance of the Queer New Wave in relation to Todd Haynes?

Answer 15

It was subversive rather than transgressive

Question 16

Name one film by Todd Haynes that uses Barbie dolls for storytelling.

Answer 16

Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story

Question 17

What themes are commonly explored in Todd Haynes’ films?

Answer 17

• Surveillance
• Observation
• Intrusion

Question 18

How does Carol explore queer sexuality?

Answer 18

In a warm, positive, romantic way

Question 19

What is one way Carol offers vicarious experiences to the audience?

Answer 19

By allowing identification with characters

Question 20

What personal factors affect a spectator’s reception of a film according to Stuart Hall?

Answer 20

• Age
• Gender
• Race
• Ethnicity
• Sexuality
• Personal Experiences
• Religion
• Up-Bringing
• Class
• Film literacy
• Geography
• Family
• Political Beliefs

Question 21

What might a conservative viewer’s response to Carol be?

Answer 21

Lack of empathy for Carol’s choices

Question 22

What does the film Carol illustrate about emotional response and aesthetic pleasure?

Answer 22

It can be a passive experience for the spectator

Question 23

What is a key argument regarding the aesthetic and emotional impact of the film?

Answer 23

They can have more impact than ideological frameworks

Question 24

What is the structure of the ideal paragraph for exam responses?

Answer 24

• Key argument
• Key sequence introduced
• Forensic analysis
• Counter-argument

Question 25

What is a counter-argument against using a single ideological framework for analysis?

Answer 25

It closes us off from other ways of reading the film

Question 26

What is the overall purpose of the conclusion in an exam response?

Answer 26

Answer the actual question and provide interesting insights

Question 27

What key historical events are reflected in the aesthetics of Pan’s Labyrinth?

Answer 27

The Spanish Civil War and Franco's regime ## Footnote The film's aesthetics serve as a commentary on the socio-political climate of Spain during this period.

Question 28

What is a key scene to analyze in relation to the film's historical context?

Answer 28

Final Sequence ## Footnote This scene encapsulates the film's themes and connections to the historical backdrop.

Question 29

What is one counter-argument regarding the aesthetics of Pan's Labyrinth?

Answer 29

Aesthetics may be more reflective of the universal idea of coming-of-age and the transition to adolescence ## Footnote This perspective shifts focus from specific historical contexts to broader themes.

Question 30

What is another counter-argument regarding the aesthetics of Pan's Labyrinth?

Answer 30

Aesthetics may be more reflective of Del Toro as an auteur ## Footnote This view emphasizes the director's unique style and vision over socio-political influences.

Question 31

To what extent might different audiences respond differently to the same film?

Answer 31

To a significant extent ## Footnote Audience responses can be influenced by individual interpretation and the film's complexity.

Question 32

What factors might lead different audiences to respond similarly to a film?

Answer 32

Power of film form, narrative positioning, clear film form, overt ideology ## Footnote These elements can create a shared viewing experience among audiences.

Question 33

What complex messages might active audiences respond to in films?

Answer 33

Complex messages about sexuality ## Footnote Active audiences engage deeply with the film's themes, leading to varied interpretations.

Question 34

What other ways might audiences interpret a film's text?

Answer 34

Other ideological readings, emotional responses, aesthetic appreciation ## Footnote Audience interpretation can vary widely based on personal experiences and perspectives.

Question 35

What checklist item ensures the paragraph's argument is clear?

Answer 35

Starts with a clear argument, debate, or idea ## Footnote A strong opening sets the tone for the analysis.

Question 36

What is a requirement for the analysis within the paragraph?

Answer 36

Uses forensic, detailed film language ## Footnote Technical specificity enhances the credibility of the analysis.

Question 37

How many uses of film-specific language should be included in the paragraph?

Answer 37

At least ten uses ## Footnote This demonstrates depth and understanding of cinematic techniques.

Question 38

What should be present in the second half of the paragraph?

Answer 38

Technical evidence to back up counter-arguments or wider explorations ## Footnote This supports the overall argument and shows consideration of multiple perspectives.

Question 39

What should the wording of the question do throughout the paragraph?

Answer 39

Be used specifically ## Footnote This maintains focus and relevance in the analysis.

Question 40

What elements contribute to texture and depth in the analysis?

Answer 40

Quotes, contextual references ## Footnote These elements enrich the argument and provide supporting evidence.