A Level Film Studies: Exam Papers

A PDF file with an AS and A2 exam paper, resource material, mark scheme and guidance for what an examiner would look for in your responses can be found here. On this post is an edit of the sections/topics you will be responding to.

You will need to answer 3 questions (one from each section)

FM2: British and American Film

Answer three questions – one from each section.

Section A: Producers and Audiences

Choose one question from this section.

Either

1. Study Item A of the resource material, which includes:

- the home page of a fan website for the American star Will Ferrell

- table showing UK and US box office takings for two films starring Will Ferrell released

in 2006

- poster for one of these films; front cover of a magazine for one of these films.

Using this material as a starting point, and drawing on your own case studies, answer the following question:

What are some of the reasons for the popularity of US produced films for UK audiences? [40]

or

2. Study Item B of the resource material, which includes:

- press release: purchase of the Warner Village cinema chain by Vue in 2003

- programme for a thirteen screen Vue multiplex in Manchester (week in March, 2007)

- blog extract: 'Is Cinema Dead?'

Using this material as a starting point, and drawing on your own case studies, answer the following question:

Are the attractions of going to a cinema today sufficiently strong to compete against other ways in which we can now watch films? [40]

Section B: British Film Topics

Choose one question from this section.

British Film: Social-Political Study – 'Living with Crime' You should discuss a minimum of two films in your answer and base it on the following: 'Living with Crime'.

Either

11. Discuss the importance of choices made by key characters to the overall shape and development of the narratives you have studied. [40]

or

12. How important is location to the films you have studied for this topic? [40]

Section C: American Film – Comparative Study

Choose one question from this section. You should discuss a minimum of two films in your answer.

Either

15. Discuss some of the similarities and differences between the two films you have studied for this topic with particular reference to narrative and genre features. [40]

or

16. How far do the two films you have studied for this topic present similar messages and values? [40]