Reading Film

Subject: Media Studies
Level: Secondary
Age Group: 14 - 16
Order Number: 5209

'Reading Film' is exactly that - a resource on how to read narrative film. It is designed to help fulfil the needs of A level Media Studies student but is also of use with GCSE Media Studies students. The resource is a print text, with web links. Ideally it would come with a set of DVDs but that's just not possible!

Reading a film is a process. The film must first be put into context so this resource starts with an historical overview of cinema. It then provides a 'top 20' films to support this history (useful as homework for the student to watch). Next is a discussion of technical terms to ensure students have a basis of appropriate language with which to discuss film. Then comes some key theories and approaches (auteur/ studio / genre / new wave etc). It then looks at the purpose of reviewing, how to review and a worked example of a review on 'The Motorcycle Diaries' (Salles 2004). Don't forget the exam board insists on modern films being examined! As well there are assorted appendices; quotes, useful websites, cartoons and a bibliography.

The resource can be used in a variety of ways - as summary notes for students, as a core for lesson plans, as a base for teacher reference, as handouts for models for students and more. This resource provides an excellent overview on how to watch movies; you need it! Buy it before the sequel is on at cinema near you...