Film Studies Lecture Cheat Sheet by RainyMoons

Film studies is an academic discipline that explores the history, theory, and critical analysis of cinema

Film History: The evolution of cinema from its origins to the present day

Film Criticism: The practice of analyzing, interp­reting, and evaluating films

Invention: The Lumière Brothers' invention of the Cinéma­tog­raphe in 1895 is considered the birth of cinema

Sound and Colour: Introd­uction of synchr­onized sound with "The Jazz Singer­" (1927) and Techni­color in the 1930s

Italian Neorealism: A focus on realism and social issues, exempl­ified by films like "­Bicycle Thieve­s" (1948)

Blockb­usters: Rise of big-budget films like "Star Wars" (1977) and "­Jur­assic Park" (1993)

Definition: The study of film genres, focusing on how films fit into specific categories like horror, comedy, and drama

Definition: The idea that a film reflects the director’s personal creative vision, as if they were the "­aut­hor­" of the film

Definition: Analyzes how films portray gender and how these repres­ent­ations affect societal attitudes toward gender

Struct­uralism: The idea that films can be understood by analyzing the underlying struct­ures, such as narrative patterns and binary opposi­tions

Definition: Applies principles of Freudian and Lacanian psycho­ana­lysis to understand the uncons­cious desires and anxieties expressed in films

Definition: Refers to everything that appears before the camera, including setting, lighting, costume, and actor behavior

Definition: The art of capturing images on film or digital media. Includes camera angles, movement, and framing

Definition: The process of selecting and combining shots to create a coherent narrative

Elements: Dialogue, sound effects, and music

Classical Hollywood Narrative: Follows a linear structure with a clear beginning, middle, and end, focusing on cause-­and­-effect relati­onships

Italian Neorealism: Focused on the struggles of ordinary people in post-war Italy.

Japanese Cinema: Akira Kurosawa's samurai films like "­Seven Samura­i" (1954) and the works of Yasujiro Ozu

New Latin American Cinema: Politi­cally engaged films from the 1960s and 1970s, addressing social justice and oppression

Sub-Sa­haran Cinema: Often deals with post-c­olonial themes, identity, and the legacy of coloni­alism

Formalism: Focuses on the form and style of the film rather than content Examines how elements like editing, cinema­tog­raphy, and sound create meaning.

Contextual Analysis: Considers the film's cultural, histor­ical, and social context to understand its themes and impact

Film Review: Aimed at general audiences, discussing the film's quality, entert­ainment value, and overall effect­ive­ness.

Develo­pment: Idea genera­tion, script­wri­ting, and securing financing

Production: The actual shooting of the film

Tradit­ional Distri­bution: Release through theaters, televi­sion, and home video

Purpose: Platforms for showcasing films to critics, audiences, and distri­butors

Gender and Race: Examin­ation of how different genders and races are repres­ented in film, and the push for more diversity in filmmaking

Global vs. Local Cinema: The impact of global cinema on local film indust­ries, and the rise of transn­ational cinema

Impact on Filmmaking: How digital technology has transf­ormed film produc­tion, distri­bution, and consum­ption

Importance of Film Studies: Provides critical insights into how films reflect and shape societal values, cultural identi­ties, and political ideolo­gies. It is essential for unders­tanding the impact of cinema on both individual viewers and broader society