Film Theory

SUBJECT – FILM AND THEORY .
In answering the following questions, please use COMPLETE sentences. If an answer is too vague or if it is too difficult to read, it will be considered incorrect. word count needed – 1,500 (for all 6 questions together)

SEMIOTICS
1. Describe the core characteristics of “methodological theories” and explain how these are evident in Christian Metz’s
essay, “Some Points in the Semiotics of the Cinema.”
2. In the same essay, how did Christian Metz respond to the question, “Is cinema a language?” What was his rationale for this response?

Psychoanalysis/Feminist Film Theory-
3. Describe what Jacques Lacan meant by the “mirror stage” and explain how Christian Metz applied this concept to
cinema.
4. According to Mulvey, what is the “deeper problem” posed by the female figure and what are the “two avenues of
escape”? How would you categorize Kathryn Bigelow’s Strange Days in this regard? Which avenue of escape best fits
this film? Screenshots are welcome.

Queer Theory and LGBTQ Histories/Representations
5. Following her essay, “Notes on Camp,” please review at least two characteristics of what Susan Sontag means by
“camp” How might we recognize these characteristics in any of our course screenings or in a film of your choice? Screenshots are welcome.

Race and Representation
6. Drawing on his essay, “Black Spectatorship: Problems of Identification and Resistance,” how does Manthia Diawara
attempt to revise Laura Mulvey’s early attempt to theorize identification and desire in Hollywood cinema? What film
sequence does he highlight to make his argument and how does he proceed to make his case?

The Battle of Algiers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA25SO3dJrQ
Black Girl/La noire de…: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPcUIaNbeLA)

Last Completed Projects