Core Study Area: Contexts of Film

Context mind map

Social Definition: How films can communicate truths about the society they portray and are influenced by the society in which they are produced.

For example: Sorry We Missed You (Ken Loach, 2019) explores the contemporary problems of zero-hour contracts and poverty.

For example: The Breakfast Club (John Hughes, 1985) contains casual racism and homophobia that was common in teen comedies of the 1980s.

Cultural Definition: How films can communicate messages and values.

For example: the strong message of equality and tolerance in recent Marvel films.

Historical Definition: How films portray history and are representative of the period in which they are produced.

For example: Dunkirk (Christopher Nolan, 2017) explores from a modern perspective the experiences of soldiers retreating from an approaching army in the Second World War.

Political Definition: How films portray and are influenced by the politics of the society in which they are produced.

For example: The Hurt Locker (Katheryn Bigelow, 2009) questions the role of American soldiers in combat.

Technological Definition: How films are influenced and limited by the technology available at the time of their production.

For example: the increasing use of CGI, 3G and IMAX in films at the beginning of the 21st Century.

Institutional Definition: How films are reflective of the industry in which they were produced.

For example: the highly stylised 1960s Hammer Horrors and the superhero focus of Marvel studios.