Answering Questions on Pulp Fiction
Remember that in the exam you will answer one question from a choice of two. You should spend 30 minutes on your essay. The questions could be on one of the Core Areas of Study such as an aspect of film form (focusing on any of cinematography, mise-en-scene, editing, sound or performance), representation (of gender, ethnicity, age or social class), aesthetics (the overall style and feel of the films), or contexts (social, cultural, political, institutional, economic or technological).
Alternatively, questions could be on the Specialist Study Area for Section D: Film Movements - Experimental Film - testing your understanding of a specific critical debate - auteur or narrative. It is likely that one of the questions will be on a core study area whilst the second question will be on the specialist study area.
Remember that, regardless of the question, you must make explicit references to key scenes from Pulp Fiction to support your points.
I would suggest, given that you only have 30 minutes to answer the question, that you split your essay into three distinct sections - focusing on a key point related to the topic in the question in each section. By all means, split these sections into a number of paragraphs BUT just remember the following:
- three detailed points about the topic is manageable in the time you have
- give at least one (detailed) example from the film in support of the point you make (though preferably more)
In addition, you should include an introduction (making reference to the key words in the question and outlining the three key points you intend to make) and a conclusion (summarising and going back to the wording found in the question). These can be brief but should show the examiner that you are focusing on the areas highlighted in the wording of the question.
Below are links to each topic area with a number of questions on each topic. This list of questions is not exhaustive (and in the real exam you may find that the questions are worded slightly differently) but they will give you a good idea of what to expect in terms of the structure and language used. It is essential that you attempt at least one question from each topic area - some in timed conditions - so that you can make (and correct) any mistakes now rather than making those mistakes in the exam.
Explore how aspects of cinematography are used experimentally to enrich meaning in your chosen film. Make detailed reference to particular sequences in your answer.
Explore the representations of ethnicity in your chosen film option. Make detailed reference to particular sequences in your answer.
'Both men and women are often represented stereotypically on film.' How far is this true in the film option you have studied? Make reference to key sequences from the film you have watched.
'Ethnic minorities are often represented stereotypically on film.' How far is this true in the film option you have studied? Make reference to key sequences from the film you have watched.
Discuss how far your chosen film reflects aesthetic qualities associated with a particular film movement. Make detailed reference to particular sequences in your answer.
To what extent do aesthetic qualities contribute to the impact of your chosen film? Refer in detail to specific sequences.
Discuss how aesthetics are used to communicate important themes or ideas in your chosen film option. Make detailed reference to particular sequences in your answer.
How far is the aesthetic of your chosen film option influenced by the director? Make detailed reference to particular sequences in your answer.
In what ways can the aesthetic of your chosen film be considered to be 'experimental'? Make detailed reference to particular sequences in your answer.
Discuss how far your chosen film or reflects institutional contexts associated with a particular film movement. Make detailed reference to particular sequences in your answer.
How far is the look or style of your chosen film influenced by institutional contexts? Refer in detail to particular sequences in your answer.
'Knowing more about a film's institutional context can enhance your appreciation and understanding of that film.' How far is this true in the film option you have studied? Make reference to key sequences from the film you have watched.
'Films are always shaped by their production contexts.' With detailed reference to key sequences, discuss your chosen film option in relation to this statement.
Discuss how far your chosen film reflects the social, cultural or political contexts of the time. Make detailed reference to particular sequences in your answer.
How far is the look or style of your chosen film influenced by social and/or cultural contexts? Refer in detail to particular sequences in your answer.
'Knowing more about a film's social and/or cultural contexts can enhance your appreciation and understanding of that film.' How far is this true in the film option you have studied? Make reference to key sequences from the film you have watched.
'Films are always shaped by their social and cultural contexts.' With detailed reference to key sequences, discuss your chosen film option in relation to this statement.
Explore how far the narrative construction can be considered to be 'experimental' in your chosen film.
'Experimental film is often the result of an auteur challenging established conventions with fresh ideas.' Discuss this statement in relation to narrative structure with reference to key sequences from your chosen film.
Explore how aspects of narrative are used experimentally to enrich meaning in your chosen film. Make detailed reference to particular sequences in your answer.
Explore how far your chosen film is experimental in challenging conventional approaches to narrative. Make detailed reference to particular sequences in your answer.
Discuss the impact of two key experimental features of the narrative in your chosen film option. Make detailed reference to particular sequences in your answer.
To what extent does your chosen film demonstrate a bold experiment in narrative? Make detailed reference to particular sequences in your answer.
'Unexpected approaches to narrative can be both difficult and exciting for the spectator.' Discuss this statement in relation to your chosen film. Make detailed reference to particular sequences in your answer.
Explore how far the auteur signature of your chosen film's director can be considered to be 'experimental'.
'Experimental film is often the result of an auteur challenging established conventions with fresh ideas.' Discuss this statement with reference to key sequences from your chosen film.
'Part of the pleasure of watching a film comes from a recognition of an auteur's style.' Discuss this statement with reference to key sequences from your chosen film.
'Style is more important than substance in the work of a contemporary auteur.' To what extent is this true in your chosen film?
'The style of a film has more of an impact on the spectator than the story itself.' With detailed reference to key sequences from your chosen film option, discuss the impact of the director's style on the meaning created in your chosen film.
Discuss how far your chosen film reflects stylistic qualities associated with a particular director. Make detailed reference to particular sequences in your answer.
To what extent does your the director's auteur signature contribute to the impact of your chosen film? Refer in detail to specific sequences.
How far is the style of your chosen film option influenced by the director? Make detailed reference to particular sequences in your answer.
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