Foreign Films Notes and Intro to Indie Films

The word foreign film refers to any done ------- of the Unites States. Many of these films come from

developed countries like European countries that tend to be attractive to American audiences.

• within
• underneath
• outside
• inside

Americans tend to like foreign films that center around --------, which are

themes that relate to all people, regardless of culture.

• controversial themes
• local themes
• universal themes
• specific themes

These include films about love, loss,

temptation, greed, the desire to better ourselves. Otherwise, we tend to like foreign films

about the underdog, which is exactly why Americans embraced Slumdog Millionaire

• Titanic
• Slumdog Millionaire
• The Shawshank Redemption
• The Godfather

foreign films tend to take on more challenging topics that may not appeal to wide

audiences. Some believe that this is because American filmmakers and film companies are

concerned with making money, so we make films that appeal to the masses (see romantic

comedies).

• Exploring new storytelling techniques
• Supporting independent filmmakers
• Content

• Promoting cultural diversity

American audiences seem to like tidy endings where the guy gets the girl. Foreign

films do not seem to follow the rigid structure that leaves audiences satisfied. THOUGH,

foreign films do make “pop-culture” films too. American films do this, but mainly in

independent, non-studio films

• American audiences prefer tidy endings where the guy gets the girl
• Foreign films always have happy endings
• American audiences prefer open-ended conclusions
• American audiences prefer tragic endings

We love beautiful people. Foreign films tend to place more emphasis on the story

than on the aesthetic beauty of the leading man and woman. This is a generalization of

course.

• Foreign films
• Documentary films
• Domestic films
• Animated films

• An independent film, independent movie, indie film or indie movie that is produced outside the major film studio system, in addition to being produced and distributed by independent entertainment companies. Indie films are funded OUTSIDE of big studios, OR may be partially funded by big studios, but less than %50.

• Indie film
• Big budget movie
• Mainstream film
• Hollywood blockbuster

• Big film studios like Warner Brothers, Universal Films and Fox Films are like any other company.  They exist to make $$$!  Is this bad? No, but it means that the movies these studios make are for the masses and meant to make profit.  Once a large studio buys the right to a script. It is THEIRS to do anything they want with it.  They can change the ending, eliminate characters, change the plot - anything to make more people want to see it. These movies tend to be formulaic and not very complex or thought provoking. That being said, there are exceptions.

• Depends on the studio
• Partially true
• False
• True

How are independent films different than major studio films? The top priority isn’t necessarily to make a ton of money.  Many independent films cover topics that “the masses” don’t want to see.  Remember Peanut Butter Falcon?  That movie is great!  But, not everybody wants to see a bro-mance film between a poor fisherman and a Down’s Syndrome man who wants to be a professional wrestler.  They tend to cover more controversial or serious topics, or include complex characters. They probably don’t have big budgets or a ton of special effects. 

• Independent films cover more controversial or serious topics, or include complex characters, and probably don't have big budgets or a ton of special effects.
• Independent films prioritize special effects over complex characters
• Independent films only cover topics that 'the masses' want to see
• Independent films focus on making a lot of money and have big budgets