Film Studies Chapter 1 Quiz & Flashcards

Questions and Answers

In what ways that extend far beyond the multiplex have movies permeated our lives?

We watch movies on cable and satellite channels, online, on our iPads and cell phones, buy them at video stores, through the mail, and so on.

Why are movies worthy of serious study, as opposed to being merely an outlet for escape or entertainment?

Seriously studying movies allows people to understand how movies shape the way we view the world.

As opposed to 'film' or 'cinema,' the term 'movies' is applied to:

Motion pictures that entertain the masses at the multiplex.

Which of the following is NOT typical of a finished movie product?

Highly experimental Signup and view all the answers

Almost all ubiquitous commercial, feature-length movies share the same basic and important element of:

Narrative. Signup and view all the answers

The essential quality that separates movies from all other two-dimensional pictorial art forms is:

Movement. Signup and view all the answers

Unlike photography and painting, films are constructed from individual:

Shots. Signup and view all the answers

A shot is best defined as:

An unbroken span of action captured by an uninterrupted run of a motion-picture camera. Signup and view all the answers

The joining together of discrete shots is called:

Editing. Signup and view all the answers

Analysis is defined as:

The act of taking something apart to figure out what it is made of and how it fits together. Signup and view all the answers

The 'invisibility' of meaning in movies is largely due to:

Their rapidly and constantly changing images not giving the viewer time to contemplate them. Signup and view all the answers

In order to exploit cinema's capacity for transporting audiences into the world of the story, the commercial filmmaking process stresses:

A polished continuity of lighting, performance, costume, makeup, and movement. Signup and view all the answers

Implicit meaning is best defined as _, while explicit meaning is best defined as _

A deep-level association, connection, or inference; meaning available on the surface of the movie. Signup and view all the answers

Formal analysis is the analytical approach primarily concerned with:

The means by which a subject is expressed. Signup and view all the answers

Alternative approaches to film analysis search beneath a movie's form and content in order to expose:

Implicit and hidden meanings that inform our understanding of cinema's function within popular culture. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would NOT be illuminated by a comparative analysis of a movie?

Repeated use of a color palette Signup and view all the answers

For how long were motion pictures popular before they were considered worthy of serious study?

50 years. Signup and view all the answers

The manner in which movies from various countries and societies present their narratives is often profoundly affected by:

Cultural Tradition. Signup and view all the answers

Because most movies seek to engage viewers' emotions and transport them inside the world presented onscreen, the visual vocabulary of film is designed to:

Play upon those same instincts that we use to navigate and interpret the visual and aural information of our 'real life.' Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method by which movies can diverge from the model of most North American and Western European films?

Narrative structures Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of noncommercial alternative films on the fringes of popular culture?

They are funded by major Hollywood studios Signup and view all the answers

Beyond breaking down a movie to identify the tools and techniques that comprise it, film analysis is also primarily concerned with:

The function and potential effect of its combined tools and techniques. Signup and view all the answers

One of the unique properties of movies that distinguishes it from any other visual medium is its capacity to:

Isolate details and juxtapose images within and between shots. Signup and view all the answers

What does a fade-out/fade-in usually convey when used in a narrative film?

A passage of time in between scenes. Signup and view all the answers

Techniques such as fade-outs/fade-ins and low-angle shots communicate meaning by:

Drawing upon the way we automatically interpret visual information in our real life. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Movie Influence and Accessibility

Movies extend beyond multiplexes, accessible via cable, satellite, online platforms, and mobile devices.
Viewers can purchase films at video stores or rent them through mail services.

Importance of Film Study

Analyzing films enhances understanding of their impact on worldviews, making it more than mere escapism.

Definition of "Movies"

The term "movies" refers to motion pictures primarily designed for entertainment in popular venues.

Film Characteristics

Finished films typically avoid experimental techniques that may confuse mainstream audiences.
Most commercial feature-length films share a core element: narrative structure.

Distinctive Qualities of Film

Movement distinguishes films from other two-dimensional art forms like photography and painting.
Films consist of individual shots, which are sequential images recorded continuously by a camera.

Film Editing and Analysis

Editing merges distinct shots to create coherent sequences of storytelling.
Analysis involves deconstructing films to understand their components and functions at a fundamental level.

Meaning in Film

The rapid succession of images can obscure deeper meanings, limiting viewer contemplation.
Films aim for a seamless aesthetic through uniformity in lighting, performance, and other aspects to engage audiences.

Implicit vs. Explicit Meaning

Implicit meaning refers to deeper insights and connections within a film, while explicit meaning is more surface-level and immediately understood.

Approaches to Film Analysis

Formal analysis focuses on the methods of expression, whereas alternative analysis uncovers deeper, often hidden meanings within films.

Comparative Analysis Limitations

A comparative movie analysis does not typically clarify details like color palettes specific to a single film.

Historical Context of Film Study

Films were popular for 50 years before being deemed worthy of serious academic scrutiny.

Cultural Influences on Narrative

A film's narrative structure is significantly shaped by the cultural traditions of its country of origin.

Emotional Engagement

The visual language of film is purposefully designed to resonate with audience instincts for interpreting real-life stimuli.

Divergence from Western Models

Noncommercial films may diverge from conventional Western cinematic models, though unconventional filming techniques do not necessarily qualify a film as such.

Characteristics of Noncommercial Films

Noncommercial films often lack major studio backing, contrasting with typical Hollywood productions.

Focus of Film Analysis

Beyond technical breakdowns, film analysis seeks to understand the overall function and emotional impact of combined cinematic tools.

Unique Properties of Film

Films uniquely isolate and juxtapose details across shots, allowing for complex visual storytelling.

Narrative Techniques

Fade-outs and fade-ins usually signify transitions in time between scenes, enhancing narrative flow and context.
Cinematic techniques like low-angle shots communicate deeper meanings through established visual interpretations.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts from Chapter 1 of Film Studies, focusing on the multifaceted impact of movies in our lives and their significance beyond mere entertainment. Engage with questions that challenge your understanding and appreciation of film as a serious field of study.

Film Studies Final Exam Chapter 1