Section A: Essay Plan

Introduction:

-          Films Studies

-          What are messages and values?

-          Overview of the area you are being questioned on.

Paragraph 1:

-          Contextualise the films

-          Cell 211 first time director, Spanish cinema, a developing cinema industry, well received in Spain, praised in the country yet not as popular as the world wide reception.

-          Facts and figures on film reception

-          A Prophet, well known director, father was classed as an auteur, well received around the world and in its native country. Is apparently being remade at the moment.

Paragraph 2:

-          Focus on the question area so representation etc…

-          What are the key ideas?

-          Overview of the theories

Paragraph 3:

-          Message and Value 1

o   Violence: psychological impact on lead character, societal implications and repercussions for violent acts. Do we as an audience root for him when he is being violent etc. Could tie this in nicely with ideas of genre (Gangster) - escapism, wish fulfilment and desensitization to violence in media maybe.

-          Discussion of how this is portrayed in both films in regard to the question’s focus.

Paragraph 4:

-          Message and Value 2

o   Nationality/Religion: Lead character manages to achieve fluidity and transcends his Algerian heritage and align himself with the Corsicans. Interestingly Algeria was colonized by the French> I think there maybe some sort of commentary going on regarding the treatment of Muslim countries by the West. France is strange as they don't discuss difference in religion or race etc, as it would go against their founding doctrine of 'Fraternity, equality and liberty' of the French Revolution - hence Muslims not allowed to wear head scarves etc.

-          Discussion of how this is portrayed in both films in regard to the question’s focus.

Paragraph 5:

-          Message and Value 3:

o   Codes of loyalty and family (brotherhood) v. societal rules: In spite of the repercussions, they act beyond the law, outside the boundaries of legality and human decency. This look like it could apply to both films. Duty v. loyalty and

breaking the law as following own personal moral compass. Makes audience question authority etc.

-          Discussion of how this is portrayed in both films in regard to the question’s focus.

Paragraph 6:

-          Is there an argument against this particular element in favour of another for example representation etc?

Conclusion:

-          Summarise your points

-          Identify what you think is the most important macro element in conveying messages and values.