Promising Young Woman (Fennell, 2020)

• Who directed the film "Promising Young Woman"?

  Emerald Fennell
• What year was "Promising Young Woman" released?

  2020
• What are the core study areas for "Promising Young Woman"?

  • Key elements of form
  • Meaning and response
  • Contexts
• What is the main story of "Promising Young Woman" about?

  It explores Cassie's anger and grief after Nina's assault
• How does Carey Mulligan describe the film?

  As ‘A beautifully wrapped candy, poisonous’
• What are the useful sequences and timings in "Promising Young Woman"?

  • Opening scene: 00:00-08:00
  • Rom-com montage: 01:03-01:06
  • Cassie the nurse: 01:20-01:33
• What are the key elements of film form in "Promising Young Woman"?

  • Cinematography
  • Mise-en-scène
  • Editing
  • Sound
  • Performance
• What does the slow pan up Cassie’s body signify in cinematography?

  It fetishises her look of ‘perfection’
• What does the camera tracking in during Cassie's traps convey?

  It conveys a sense of entrapment
• What does the push in and push out of the camera during the phone scene represent?

  It distances the audience from Cassie's reaction
• How does Cassie use costume in the film?

  As a weapon and a mask
• What does Cassie’s ‘day look’ of pastels represent?

  It serves as a playful misdirect
• How does Cassie's white privilege affect her in the film?

  It allows her to manoeuvre without suspicion
• What does Cassie’s childhood bedroom symbolize?

  Outward features of feminine expectations
• What does the suitcase represent in the film?

  A message from her parents for Cassie to leave
• What does Cassie’s notebook symbolize?

  Her deep anger and feminine touch
• How are the bars depicted in the film?

  As neon-clad enclosed spaces, a trap
• What does the rom-com montage signify in the film?

  It is typical of the romantic comedy genre
• How does the music in Cassie’s first trap differ from typical soundtracks?

  It resembles horror film music, breaking the fourth wall
• What does the juxtaposition of the pop soundtrack with horror music represent?

  It echoes Cassie’s emotional state and humour
• How does Fennell cast actors in "Promising Young Woman"?

  Known lovable actors as predators, reversing tropes
• What does the fourth wall break at 8 minutes signify?

  It alerts the audience to Cassie’s awareness
• What are the representations questioned in "Promising Young Woman"?

  • Focus on male experience
  • Hollywood's representation of seduction
  • Repetitive lines from men
• What role does Laverne Cox play in the film?

  Gail, a supportive character for Cassie
• What typical drives of female characters does Cassie declare she wants?

  Yoga class, kids, a job to brag about
• What does the aesthetic of sweet candy pastels suggest?

  It creates a feminine and claustrophobic feel
• What symbols surround Cassie in the film?

  Angel wings, halos, and martyr symbols
• How does the aesthetic change when Cassie hears of Al's return?

  It takes a darker turn
• What does the phrase "Promising Young Man" signify culturally?

  Judgements favoring male perpetrators of violence
• What political context surrounds "Promising Young Woman"?

  Made during the Trump era and #metoo movement
• What significant increase occurred in the US murder rate in 2020?

  30% increase attributed to pandemic trauma
• Who funded "Promising Young Woman"?

  LuckyChap Entertainment
• What perspective does Emerald Fennell provide in her films?

  • Views through a powerful, angry woman
  • Made through a female lens
• How does the film challenge the objectification of women?

  By making the audience gaze at Cassie’s appearance
• What is the tone of the film's ending?

  Surprisingly playful and upbeat
• What ideology is explored regarding women's responsibility?

  To avoid vulnerable situations and aggressors
• How does Fennell complicate audience alignment with Cassie?

  Through her relationship with Ryan and his betrayal
• What happens in the key sequence of Cassie the nurse (1:20 - 1:33)?

  • Cassie applies lipstick, her mask
  • All-male party environment
  • POV shots of vodka shots
  • Muffled sound from Cassie's perspective
  • Long take on a man's reaction
  • Heavenly light on Cassie in martyr pose
  • Cassie becomes a faceless victim
  • Al depicted as a ‘promising young man’
• What occurs in the rom-com montage (1:03 - 1:06)?

  • Ryan appears too good to be true
  • "Stars are Blind" creates a sound bridge
  • Cassie's vibrant pink costume symbolizes feelings
  • Crosscutting between pharmacy and romance
  • Implication of Cassie being ‘fixed’ by love
• What happens in the opening scene (0:00 - 8min)?

  • Few women in the club
  • Slow-motion dancing ridicules men
  • First line: ‘Fuck her’ from businessmen
  • Men in ‘nice guy uniform’
  • Jerry initially appears as protagonist
  • Ominous tone accompanies Cassie's fourth wall break