Crash Course Film Criticism Flashcards
1
Q
Why is Citizen Kane important?
A
- Directed by Orson Welles
- Daring technical experimentation
- Deep focus lens, to keep both foreground and background in focus
- Forced perspective (e.g. Kane walks into background and shrinks)
- Complicated camera work (e.g. a camera move involving a splitting table)
- High angle and low angle shots
2
Q
Why is Aliens important?
A
- Directed by James Cameron
- Pioneered “strong” female character
- An action movie, but not focused on male lens, but rather female themes of love and motherhood
3
Q
Why is Selma important?
A
- Directed by Ava DuVernay
- First woman nominated by Best Picture
- “The first few minutes of a well-constructed movie will teach us how to watch it”d
4
Q
Why is Where Are My Children important?
A
- Directed by Lois Weber, 1916
- Pioneering woman director
- Pioneering film techniques (e.g. closeups, dramatic irony, special effects)
- Controversial issue of abortion, before Hayes Code of the 30s
5
Q
Why is “In the Mood for Love” important?
A
- Wong Kar Wai: a dreamy, fragmented auteur filmmaker
- Explores repressed love
- Political background of Hong Kong in the 60s / Cultural revolution
