Film Studies A Level

A-Level Film Studies will deepen your understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of film. You will study a wide selection of films, including films from the early 20th century to the present day. The course teaches you about the art, culture and history of the era in which the film was made. By watching a wide range of films, you will develop skills of observation, critical analysis, personal reflection and writing skills whcih are highly valued by universities and employers. A-Level Film Studies is a linear course: students will complete three components at the end of their two years of study.

Component 1 covers varieties of film and film making, students will study six feature-length films

• The film Vertigo from the classical Hollywood period (1930-1960)
• The film Do The Right Thing from the new Hollywood period (1961-1990)
• The film Inception as an example of an American mainstream film
• The film Winter’s Bone as an example of an American contemporary independent film
• The film We Need To talk About Kevin as an example of a British Film Since 1995
• The film Under The Skin as an example of a British Film Since 1995

Component 1 is assessed through a written exam lasting two hours and 30 mins worth 35% of the A-Level. Component 2 covers global filmmaking perspectives, students will study five feature length films

• The film Pan’s Labyrinth as an example of a global film from Europe
• The film City of God as an example of a global film from outside Europe
• The film Amy as an example of a documentary film
• The film Strike as an example of a silent film
• The film Pulp Fiction as an example of an experimental film

Paper 2 is assessed through a written exam lasting two hours and 30 mins worth 35% of the A-Level.

Component 3 is an individual piece of coursework worth 30% of the A-Level. Learners produce either a short film (4-5 minutes in length) or a screenplay from a short film (1600-1800 words) plus a digitally photographed storyboard of a key section from the screenplay. Learners then complete an evaluative analysis (1600 – 1800 words).