Starting Here
As part of my A Level Film Studies Course-I have been tasked with investigating a chosen investigative topic surrounding the world of film.
This can range from a focus on an actor, a focus on a genre or a look into film issues.
I begin my task by having to choose what topic to pursue and already I have struggled to narrow down the numerous ideas floating around in my head.
Spending my every night watching YouTube videos about film news as usual it has been hard to come up with just one solid idea.
I could go down the road of focusing on a particular actor. In which case I'm inexplicably drawn to examine the work of Gary Oldman. I feel as though his wide range of roles would be an interesting one to look at. I could compare his villainous turns in Leon or Hannibal to his calming heroes in Batman Begins and Harry Potter.
My other idea would be to explore the issue of the Directors Cut. To debate what really is the true version of a film. the cut the studio sends to the cinema or the cut that the auteur himself decided upon. With various novels being turned into films there is always the book V film argument that could be tied in. Deleted scenes that famously could've added lots to their respected films.
However I want to push myself to investigate something out of my comfort zone. Something I can really learn from as I go.
Which is why I want to investigate the issue of ethnicity. Specifically the topical issue of Whitewashing in Hollywood.
I want ot investigate whether whitewashing is an issue people recognise and whether it affects the quality of films. How casting white actors in iconic black roles from other media can cause a stir and whether the opposite effects (non white actors in white roles) is fair treatment or edgy publicity stunting. I can tie in topical of the moment examples such as the Oscars So White debacle, the debate of a black James Bond and many more examples of films being accused of racism for their white washing of respectable cultures.
This investigation begins here.
