Queer Film Theory Research

Film theories from this article: Research Film Theory, Film Theory Textbook by R. Doughty & C. Etherton

CueNotes
Does this prevent non-heterosexuals from enjoying the filmHow does a work of art either reinforce or challenge homophobia
Queer criticism in film comes from long-standing negative stereotypes about queer people.
Why have these negative myths been used to such effect in modern media?Long-standing and negative myths that gay people are “sick and evil” or in fact make up a minuscule portion of the population have been used to further push anti-queer messages in film.
Related to deconstruction in the way that it draws attention to works where heteronormative standards are challenged and where the “typical” binary ideas of sex and sexual orientation are not applied.
Criticism of poor or offensive queer representation is important to understanding the spectrum of sex and sexual orientationQueer criticism can interpret and identify issues with queer representation in a work of art
Poor representation can hamper our view of the queer experience, so asking these questions are important. Seeks to answer important questions like: “What does this work contribute to our knowledge of queer, gay, or lesbian experience or history. “
Identifies whether there is any homophobia and/or transphobia present in the work and whether it is explicit or implicit
Why is heteronormativity considered, well, normal?Queer theory seeks to challenge the idea of heterosexuality as normative.
Queer theory developed in response to queer representation in media
The events of Stonewall acted as a catalyst for more queer filmmakers to fight for better representation
How did Fireworks haveFireworks (1945) Dir. Kenneth Anger is widely regarded as one of the first films to truly explore homosexuality

Summary

Story of Film – Episode 1 – Birth of the Cinema

Introduction

1895-1918: The World Discovers a New Art Form or Birth of the Cinema

1903-1918: The Thrill Becomes Story or The Hollywood Dream

Editor Resource Notes

Notes:

-Cutting on action 0:30

Simple, effective, useful in fast-paced scenes, can be used to emphasize action

-Cutaway 0:58

Cut to an insert shot, show character distress

-Cross cut 1:30

cuts back and forth between locations, increases tension and suspense

-Jump cut 2:15

Cuts between the same shot, shows the passage of time, montage, urgency

-Match cut 3:01

Cuts from one shot, to a similar shot in shape/composition, can also be verbal

Transitions

-Fade in/fade out 3:54

Dissolving to or from black

-Dissolve 4:05

Can be used in montages, shows the passing of time

-Smash cut 4:56

Abrupt transition, intense –>quiet, quiet –>intense

– Iris 5:33

Stylistic effect, used to narrow field of view

-Wipe 5:58

Many types, different shapes or stylistic effects can be used as wipes