Overview

The "Contextualizing Film" unit in the IB Higher Level (HL) Film course emphasizes understanding films within their broader cultural, historical, and sociopolitical contexts. This approach allows students to explore how external factors influence a film’s creation, narrative, and reception. By examining the era and cultural background in which a film is set or produced, as well as the social and political issues it addresses, students gain deeper insights into the film’s themes and messages. This comprehensive analysis not only enhances their appreciation of films but also enriches their understanding of the interconnectedness of cinema and society.

Key Concepts

1. Historical Context:

   • Period Setting: Understanding the era in which the film is set and how historical events and cultural norms of that time influence the narrative and characters.

     • Example: "Schindler's List" (1993) by Steven Spielberg: Set during World War II, depicting the Holocaust and the atrocities committed against Jews.

     • Example: "The Great Gatsby" (2013) by Baz Luhrmann: Set in the 1920s, reflecting the Jazz Age and the American Dream.

   • Production Era: Examining the time when the film was made and how the historical context of the production period impacts its themes, style, and reception.

     • Example: "Schindler's List": Made in the early 1990s, reflecting renewed focus on Holocaust remembrance.

     • Example: "The Great Gatsby": Released during the early 21st century, relevant to discussions post-2008 financial crisis.

2. Cultural Context:

   • Cultural Significance: Analyzing how the film reflects, critiques, or reinforces the cultural values, beliefs, and practices of its setting or production period.

     • Example: "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000) by Ang Lee: Reflects Chinese culture and the wuxia genre, highlighting traditional values, martial arts, and folklore.

     • Example: "Black Panther" (2018) by Ryan Coogler: Celebrates African culture and heritage through its setting in the fictional African nation of Wakanda.

   • Representation: Assessing the portrayal of different cultural groups and considering issues of stereotyping, cultural appropriation, and authenticity.

     • Example: "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon": Praised for its authentic representation of Chinese mythology and aesthetics.

     • Example: "Black Panther": Praised for its positive and empowering portrayal of Black characters and African culture.

3. Sociopolitical Context:

   • Political Climate: Investigating the political environment during the film’s setting and production, and how political events and ideologies are represented or challenged in the film.

     • Example: "The Battle of Algiers" (1966) by Gillo Pontecorvo: Depicts the Algerian struggle for independence from French colonial rule, reflecting anti-colonial sentiments of the 1960s.

     • Example: "Parasite" (2019) by Bong Joon-ho: Reflects contemporary South Korean society, addressing issues of economic disparity and class struggle.

   • Social Issues: Identifying and analyzing social themes such as race, gender, class, and identity, and their influence on the film's narrative and character development.

     • Example: "The Battle of Algiers": Highlights themes of resistance, terrorism, and the ethics of warfare.

     • Example: "Parasite": Explores themes of poverty, social inequality, and the impact of capitalism.

Analytical Approaches

1. Auteur Theory:

   • Focus on the director's personal influence and unique style.

     • Example: Alfred Hitchcock: Analyzing "Psycho" (1960) for Hitchcock's suspenseful storytelling, innovative camera techniques, and themes of voyeurism and psychological complexity.

2. Genre Analysis:

   • Study the conventions and expectations of the film’s genre.

     • Example: Film Noir: Analyzing "Double Indemnity" (1944) by Billy Wilder for its dark, cynical tone, morally ambiguous characters, and visual style featuring high-contrast lighting and urban settings.

3. Reception Theory:

   • Consider audience reactions and interpretations.

     • Example: "Fight Club" (1999) by David Fincher: Examining how different audiences interpret the film’s themes of masculinity, consumerism, and identity, with varied reactions based on cultural and temporal contexts.

4. Critical Theory:

   • Apply various theoretical lenses (e.g., feminist, Marxist, psychoanalytic) to analyze the film’s deeper meanings and implications.

     • Example: Feminist Theory: Applying feminist theory to "Thelma & Louise" (1991) by Ridley Scott to explore themes of female empowerment, patriarchy, and the subversion of traditional gender roles.

Practical Components

1. Film Journal:

   • Maintain a detailed journal documenting analyses of various films, focusing on their contextual elements.

     • Example Entry: Analysis of "12 Years a Slave" (2013) by Steve McQueen, exploring the historical context of slavery in the United States, cultural significance of portraying African American history, and sociopolitical implications regarding race relations.

2. Comparative Study:

   • Conduct comparative analyses of films from different periods or cultures.

     • Example Study: Comparison of "Casablanca" (1942) by Michael Curtiz and "Inglourious Basterds" (2009) by Quentin Tarantino, examining how each film portrays World War II with "Casablanca" focusing on romantic and political intrigue, and "Inglourious Basterds" taking a revisionist approach with dark humor and alternative history.

3. Research Project:

   • Undertake an in-depth research project on a specific film or filmmaker, exploring contextual influences.

     • Example Project: In-depth analysis of the works of Hayao Miyazaki, exploring how his films like "Spirited Away" (2001) and "Princess Mononoke" (1997) reflect Japanese culture, environmental themes, and sociopolitical issues.

Assessment Criteria

1. Knowledge and Understanding:

   • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the historical, cultural, and sociopolitical contexts of films.

   • Show knowledge of key concepts, theories, and analytical approaches related to film studies.

2. Analysis and Interpretation:

   • Provide insightful analyses of films, considering contextual influences.

   • Interpret films in a nuanced manner, showing awareness of multiple perspectives and interpretations.

3. Research and Presentation:

   • Conduct thorough research using a variety of sources.

   • Present findings clearly and coherently, supporting arguments with evidence.

4. Critical Thinking:

   • Engage in critical thinking and independent analysis.

   • Evaluate films critically, considering different viewpoints and theoretical frameworks.

Tips for Success

1. Watch a Variety of Films:

   • Explore classic films like "Citizen Kane" (1941) and contemporary works like "Moonlight" (2016) to understand different contextual influences.

2. Read Widely:

   • Academic texts like "Film Art: An Introduction" by David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson and articles from journals like "Screen" and "Film Quarterly."

3. Engage in Discussions:

   • Participate in class debates and online forums to exchange ideas and perspectives on film analysis.

4. Practice Writing:

   • Regularly write essays and journal entries, focusing on different analytical approaches and contextual elements to improve clarity and depth in your arguments.