Difference between subject and matter

[kris]

Test No. incompl/inter-57 "A Night Out", question 3

The subject ......... of the film concerned the American Civil War in the 1860's.

(a) matter
(b) topic
(c) theme
(d) interest

Test No. incompl/inter-57 "A Night Out", answer 3

The subject matter of the film concerned the American Civil War in the 1860's.

Correct answer: (a) matter

Your answer was: incorrect
The subject theme of the film concerned the American Civil War in the 1860's.
_________________________

why matter fits better here than theme?
thank you!

[Alan]

Subject and theme mean roughly the same.
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Have a Break!

[Rich7]

Could u explain a little bit more this "subject matter" thing?

[Alan]

This means the contents of a book or if you like the substance of a book. What in fact the book is about
_________________
English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Word Story: Health