ASU FMS394 Mod Quizzes on Film Authorship

Film Authorship and Theories

• François Truffaut emphasized the concept of authorship in cinema through his 1954 essay, laying the groundwork for discussions on directorial vision.
• Andrew Sarris popularized the "Auteur Theory," which recognized directors as the primary authors of their films, distinguishing their unique artistic styles.

Audience Shifts and Film Trends

• The films Bonnie and Clyde and The Graduate marked a significant shift, indicating that late-60s audiences favored visually arresting and thematically rich narratives, often drawn from their TV experiences.
• Cook identified the "Blockbuster Syndrome," reflecting a trend where fewer films were produced at higher budgets, necessitating significant marketing efforts, illustrated by iconic releases like Jaws and Star Wars.

Influential Directors and Films

• Francis Ford Coppola, celebrated for films like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, is regarded as a mentor to the 1970s auteur directors known as "Hollywood brats."
• The Godfather, initially planned as a modest production, revolutionized blockbusters in cinema during the 1970s, blending artistry with mainstream appeal.

New Hollywood and Rating Systems

• Thomas Schatz identified "New Hollywood" beginning in 1975, characterized by a unique blend of artistic creativity and commercial viability, evident in films like Jaws that transformed movie marketing.
• The MPAA Rating System, established in the late 60s, allowed more experimentation in film content, which led to controversy as seen with Midnight Cowboy’s X rating.

Marketing and Distribution Evolution

• By the late 70s, promotional strategies became integral to film distribution, combining auteur recognition with extensive national media campaigns.
• The term "High Concept," coined by Schatz, describes films that can be succinctly summarized, aiding in marketing and audience recognition.

Mythology in Cinema

• Joseph Campbell posited that myths express universal truths, with the hero's journey representing a move away from comfort to discover new experiences.
• Myths, viewed as collective dreams, transcend cultures, a concept illustrated by similarities in mythological themes across different traditions.

Experimental Filmmaking and Special Effects

• The late 70s marked a significant shift in special effects, as filmmakers like Coppola and Lucas began integrating them into storytelling rather than using them merely as enhancements.
• California Institute of the Arts played a pivotal role in shaping filmmakers who contributed to the evolution of special effects in the industry.

Digital Characters and Cinema Trends

• Jar Jar Binks exemplifies modern digital characters that blend narrative and marketing, revealing a divergence from traditional cinematic grounding, while Yoda represents a more consistent digital character aligned with established traits.
• Digitization has introduced modular filmmaking practices, where separate elements can be manipulated independently, enabling a unique approach to film production.

World-Building in Fiction

• J.R.R. Tolkien's contribution to fiction is the idea of the "sub-creator," emphasizing the importance of crafting believable worlds through depth, detail, and consistency.
• Transmedia storytelling, as described by Henry Jenkins, involves distributing narrative elements across various media platforms to create a cohesive entertainment experience, exemplified by franchise models like Marvel.

Conclusion on Technology and Cinema

• The ambivalent relationship towards technology in films illustrates the balance between tradition and innovation, as seen in the dynamics of classic genres and modern sci-fi storytelling in franchises like Star Wars.### Media Change and Transmedia Storytelling
• Emergence of new media forms and adaptation of existing ones characterize current media evolution.
• A model outlines media change through layering, diversification, and interconnectedness.

Functions of Transmedia Content

• Transmedia enables audience connection through multiple narratives, enhancing backstory and world mapping.
• It provides varied character perspectives and deepens audience engagement.

Multimodality in Transmedia

• Transmedia narratives combine radical intertextuality and multimodality to enhance understanding.
• Various media forms allow fans to engage with narratives uniquely.

Interactivity vs. Participation

• Interactivity relates to technology properties; participation reflects cultural aspects.
• Examples include gaming interactivity and cultural fan activities like dressing up as characters.

Industrial Response to Interactivity

• The rise of interactivity and play in popular culture is a response to audience expectations.
• New media channels like video games and interactive websites redefine audience engagement.

Value of Cultural Commodities

• A film's worth as a cultural commodity hinges on its marketing and product tie-ins.
• The ability to generate sequels or merchandise influences cultural impact.

Patterns of Intertextuality

• Marshall identifies four intertextual styles including game-film-game and multimedia events.
• Game adaptations showcase the shift of video game narratives to film and back.

Blockbuster Influence

• The intertextual commodity's most significant developments stem from blockbuster films.
• Notable examples include The Last Jedi and its franchise expansions.

Concept of Play in Culture

• Play is central in culture industries, driving audience engagement in narratives.
• It reflects societal trends and participatory culture ideals.

Promoting Immersion in Film

• Successful narratives like The Blair Witch Project utilize video game-like immersion techniques.
• Audience agency through gameplay transforms narrative experience.

Shift in Audience Pleasure

• Viewing pleasure has evolved from mere narrative consumption to participatory involvement.
• The role of "user" has redefined engagement with popular media.

Media Economics and Content Acquisition

• Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox highlights uncertainty in traditional media economics amid digital shifts.
• The evolution of cable television due to "cord-cutting" reflects changing viewership.

Lucasfilm's Story Canon Decisions

• Kathleen Kennedy's canon policy excludes non-canon sources, uniting the narrative across major Star Wars media.
• This decision was controversial among long-time fans.

Broadening Star Wars Brand Appeal

• Lucasfilm's marketing strategies aim to attract a diverse audience, expanding beyond traditional demographics.
• Promotions now include apparel and high-end products targeting girls and adults.

Female Fan Engagement

• Female fans play a pivotal role in participatory culture, often challenging male-centric narratives.
• Their activism fosters inclusivity and diversity within fandoms.

Political Activism in Popular Culture

• Fan movements like #wheresRey exemplify resistance against dominant cultural narratives.
• Political themes resonate through media, making cultural struggles significant social battlegrounds.

Rey as a Non-Gendered Hero

• Rey's portrayal in Star Wars emphasizes a character form unbound by traditional gender roles.
• Celebrated as a groundbreaking example in contemporary media.

Disney Merchandise and Gender Perceptions

• Initial lack of merchandise for female characters demonstrates biases in marketing strategies.
• Efforts to counter this emerged post-fan activism and protests.

Consumer Citizenship and Activism

• Consumer behaviors influence corporate practices and accountability in media representation.
• Activism encourages a change in production and marketing approaches.

Paratext and its Role in Narratives

• Paratexts can become primary narratives, enhancing viewer engagement and interactivity.
• Specific campaigns (e.g., The Dark Knight's ARG) build excitement and community.

Star Wars Toys as Cultural Narratives

• Action figures sustain narrative engagement, keeping the franchise alive between film releases.
• They reinforce themes like war and good versus evil.

Gendering of Star Wars Merchandise

• Star Wars toy marketing is historically biased towards boys, reinforcing gender norms.
• Packaging and advertising reflect cultural expectations regarding gender roles.

Video Games vs. Film Narrative Structures

• Videogames often prioritize gameplay and exploration over traditional narratives.
• Interaction takes precedence, redefining audience experience.

Modes of Narratives in Video Games

• Linda Hutcheon identifies participatory narratives as vital in modern storytelling.
• Gamers engage deeply with story worlds, transcending traditional viewer roles.

Merchandising Events and Character Introductions

• Force Friday serves as a marketing tool that introduces new characters through merchandise.
• This event builds anticipation before film releases.

Whiteness and Racial Imagery Analysis

• Historically, white representations have been overlooked in racial imagery discussions.
• Recognizing whiteness as an ideological concept is essential for understanding racial dynamics.

Impacts of 'White Fragility'

• White fragility reflects a lack of exposure to racial discourse, impacting awareness and understanding.
• The concept indicates a need for deeper engagement with race issues early in education.

Social Processes of Racial Identities

• Racial categories are fluid and socially constructed, reflecting broader societal relations.
• The analysis of whiteness must evolve beyond conventional norms to understand its implications fully.

Test your knowledge on the concept of authorship in cinema with this ASU FMS394 mod quiz. Discover key figures and ideas that shaped film criticism, particularly the politique des auteurs. Perfect for students exploring film studies and critical theory.