Film Criticism Notes: Lenses and Reaction Papers

A set of practice flashcards covering key concepts from the film criticism notes, including forms of critique, critical lenses (Reader-Response, Gender, Feminist, Marxist, Biographical, New Historicist), and example prompts. Each card presents a question and its answer to aid exam preparation.

What are the three specialized forms of writing discussed for evaluating works (Reaction Paper, Review, Critique)?

They are critical assessments, analyses, or evaluations of different works, not summaries, and require critical thinking and supporting arguments.

What is the typical length range for a Reaction Paper, Review, or Critique?

Usually 250 to 750 words.

What do Reaction Papers, Reviews, and Critiques emphasize instead of merely summarizing?

Critical assessment, analysis, or evaluation that processes ideas and theories and extends ideas in a field of study.

What is the focus of Reader-Response Criticism?

The reader's or viewer's own reaction and experience with the work.

Give two sample prompts used in Reader-Response Criticism.

How did the story make you feel? Did your personal experience influence your interpretation?

What is the main focus of Gender Criticism?

Socially constructed gender roles and how masculinity and femininity are portrayed, including whether stereotypes are challenged.

In Inside Out 2, how does Gender Criticism characterize the portrayal of gender and emotions?

Riley's internal world is shown as complex and evolving; emotions are not weaknesses but necessary responses, prompting dialogue on gender expression and emotional labor.

What is the focus of Marxist Criticism?

Class struggle and economics, including wealth and power, oppression or rebellion, and how economic factors shape characters.

From a Marxist perspective, what societal pressures does Inside Out 2 critique?

The pressures of a performance-driven, capitalist society that tie self-worth to productivity and social value.

What does Biographical Criticism examine?

The author's life and intentions and how events from the author's life show up in the work.

What is the focus of Feminist Criticism?

Women's roles and gender power imbalances; whether female characters are empowered or oppressed.

According to the Feminist Criticism example, what themes are highlighted in the film?

Puberty, body image, social pressure, anxiety, and the critique of unrealistic expectations placed on girls, including gendered expectations around perfectionism.

What does New Historicist Criticism focus on?

The context of the time when the work was written and how historical events or social norms influence the text.

What does the New Historicist example say about Inside Out 2?

The film reflects current conversations around teen mental health, authenticity, and identity, considering post-pandemic anxiety and cultural shifts.

What are two typical Reader-Response Lens questions listed in the notes?

What parts of the film did you relate to personally? Why?; How did the ending make you feel, and why did it have that effect?

What are two prompts under the Gender Criticism Lens from Part 1?

How is the father portrayed in terms of masculinity or gender expectations? Does the film challenge or support traditional gender roles?

What Feminist Lens prompts are highlighted?

How does the film highlight a girl's identity through her hair? In what ways are the female characters empowered or central to the narrative?

What does the Marxist Lens ask about a family's economics (Part 1)?

What can we infer about the family's socio-economic status? How might economic factors affect access to hair care or medical care?

Who is Matthew A. Cherry, and why is he relevant to the Biographical Lens in the notes?

Matthew A. Cherry is the creator of Hair Love; understanding his background helps explain the story's themes.

What does the New Historicist Lens consider about race, culture, and family today?

It examines how the film relates to contemporary social movements and discussions on race, culture, and family.