1. Comparative Study Lesson 1
FM2 Section C
Comparative Study
Lesson 1

2. What the exam board say
Section C: US Cinema Comparative Study (40 marks)
One question from a choice of two.
Candidates are required to compare and contrast two films either from the same genre or dealing with a specific theme. Both questions will have an emphasis on the relationship between aspects of the films' narrative in relation to generic characteristics. The first question will be based primarily on narrative study. The second will be based on contextual study. Issues of representation will be common to both questions.

3. Do The Right Thing
Written and directed by Spike Lee
1989

4. Themes of the film
The film deals with many themes of violence, racial intolerance, police brutality and urban deprivation
It’s important to understand what it was like to be a young black person living in New York in the 1980s before we study the film in more detail

5. Significance of the setting
Neighbourhood = Bedford-Stuyvesant, in Brooklyn, one of the five boroughs of New York
Cultural centre of Brooklyn
It was the setting for many race riots, from the 1960s onwards
Consequently, characters in the film will have grown up with racial tension

6. The crack epidemic in America
Between 1984 and 1994, the homicide rate for black males aged 14 to 17 more than doubled, and the homicide rate for black males aged 18 to 24 increased nearly as much. During this period, the black community also experienced an increase in foetal death rates, low birth-weight babies, weapons arrests, and the number of children in foster care. In 1996, approximately 60% of inmates incarcerated in the US were sentenced on drug charges. The United States remains the largest overall consumer of narcotics in the world today. The reasons for these increases in crime was due mostly to the fact that distribution for the drug occurred mainly in low-income inner city neighbourhoods. This gave many inner city residents the opportunity to move up the "economic ladder" in a drug market that allowed dealers to charge a low minimum price. The basic reason for the rise of crack was economic.
Evidently, crack cocaine use and distribution became popular in cities that were in social and economic chaos such as Los Angeles and Atlanta. 'As a result of the low-skill levels and minimal initial resource outlay required to sell crack, systemic violence flourished as a growing army of young, enthusiastic inner-city crack sellers attempt to defend their economic investment.' (Inciardi, 1994) Once the drug became embedded in the particular communities, the economic environment that was best suited for its survival caused further social disintegration within that city. An environment that was based on violence and deceit as an avenue for the crack dealers to protect their economic interests

7. Context of production Howard Beach 1986 Tawana Brawley 1987
Death of Michael Stewart

8. Homework Task
Research the lives of Spike Lee, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King. You will need to know about these people for your notes