FM1: Exploring Film Form
Focus of the unit
This unit focuses on the micro features of film and the construction of meaning and emotion.
Understanding will be fostered through:
Throughout this unit, the emphasis will be on the interaction of film and spectator.
The micro features of film
This unit requires the study of the micro features of film.
This unit focuses on the micro features of film and the construction of meaning and emotion.
Understanding will be fostered through:
- studying micro features of film: mise-en-scène, performance, cinematography, editing and sound
- identifying how these construct meanings and contribute to the sensory impact of film
- reflecting on individual response to micro features of film as a means of exploring the relationship between film and spectator
Throughout this unit, the emphasis will be on the interaction of film and spectator.
The micro features of film
This unit requires the study of the micro features of film.
- Mise-en-scène includes setting, props, staging, costume and make- up, figure expressionand movement and off-screen space.
- Performance includes physical expression, vocal delivery and interaction between performers (with reference to issues of staging/choreography where relevant).
- Cinematography includes photographic elements (e.g. camera position, colour, lens, depth of focus), lighting, framing and composition and special effects.
- Editing includes the organisation of time, both within a sequence and across sections of the narrative and the organisation of space, especially in creating coherence for the spectator. The principal conventions of continuity editing, such as shot/reverse shot and the 180 degree rule, will be studied. The uses of montage editing will also be considered.
- Sound includes diegetic sound, non-diegetic sound and the variety of ways in which aural elements (e.g. speech, music and noise) are used in relation to visuals.
Film Analysis: Choosing a scene/Creating a question
Written Analysis 1 (Clip length = 3-5 min max.)
How does the use of (editing, lighting, cinematography, performance, mise-en-scene or sound) create (suspense, excitement, tension, humour, ?????) in the ??????? sequence from – Film title ?
(1500 words + you may choose to support your analysis with illustrative visual material)
How does the use of (editing, lighting, cinematography, performance, mise-en-scene or sound) create (suspense, excitement, tension, humour, ?????) in the ??????? sequence from – Film title ?
(1500 words + you may choose to support your analysis with illustrative visual material)
A good analysis should include film language. action description and your personal response. Follow the guide below for how to structure your sentences.
Describe:
WHAT you see/hear?
+
HOW it is technically constructed?
+
WHY you think it is constructed this way? = MEANING
Integrating all aspects in a coherent and clear way to show how meaning is constructed throughout the sequence is the key to achieving a good grade:
Describe:
WHAT you see/hear?
+
HOW it is technically constructed?
+
WHY you think it is constructed this way? = MEANING
Integrating all aspects in a coherent and clear way to show how meaning is constructed throughout the sequence is the key to achieving a good grade:
Notes for guidance
Your answer should refer to how a specific aspect of editing, cinematography, performance, mise-en-scene or sound, within the sequence, generates meaning and initiates a response within its intended audience.
Getting started:
Genre/Narrative
Personal response:
Your answer should refer to how a specific aspect of editing, cinematography, performance, mise-en-scene or sound, within the sequence, generates meaning and initiates a response within its intended audience.
Getting started:
- Choose a sequence that uses a specific cinematic technique to focus upon (you may mention other features).
- Watch your chosen clip through several times writing down how the technique is used and think about the way that it makes ‘you’ feel.
- Watch it through again, pausing to make more detailed notes.
- Relate your detailed analysis of the specific technique to the meaning it creates within an audience and you as a viewer.
Genre/Narrative
- Although secondary considerations within this essay, you may refer to genre and narrative by identifying recognisable conventions of iconography, mise-en-scene, music, setting, or character.
- Referring to similarities with other films is essential – at least 3 (the identified technique may remind you of other films – these need to be discussed in some depth).
- You may also refer to intertextuality, if relevant.
Personal response:
- Explain how the sequence makes ‘you’ feel: tense, scared, excited, frightened, sentimental, angry etc.
- Write in a personal manner, you as the spectator, as this will encourage a more personal voice and lead to greater self-reflection.
Essay Guidance: Common mistakes to avoid
Retain focus stated in question throughout the essay (use term/s)
- Be detailed and thorough throughout
- Make sure that you use the correct terms/language for each technique
- Cameras' don’t cut – this is editing!!
- Discuss other films that use similar techniques to your chosen sequence (don't just mention the title, refer to the scene)
- Discuss other films that remind you of the events/action/themes in your chosen sequence (don't just mention the title, refer to the scene)
- Debate other possible meanings that a technique/action may suggest to you personally (be argumentative)
- Film titles and characters names should begin with capitals i.e 'The Shining', 'Panic Room' plus Jack, Iron Man, etc.
- Lighting is never dark!!!
- Submit drafts early and get work checked - BEFORE THE DEADLINE!!