Question of the Week (4/27/12)

"Caught up in the entertainment, we sometimes don't 'see' the camera work, composition, editing, lighting, and sound. Nor do we 'see' the production struggles that accompany every film -- including the script's many rewrites..." (From Writing about Film the packet handed out in class).

Formal Analysis
A formal analysis of a film or films requires that the viewer breaks the film down into its component parts and discusses how those parts contribute to the whole. Formal analysis can be understood as taking apart a tractor in a field; you lay out the parts, try to understand the function and purpose of each one, and then put the parts back together.

In order to do a convincing formal analysis of your scene you'll need to use the terminology provided to you in the Writing about Film packet. Keep in mind that the more proper terms you use, the more you convince your audience that you are an authority of your topic.

PART I
Click on the link below, choose one scene from North by Northwest and begin by conducting an annotated shot sequence -- a shot-by-shot analysis (see your packet and class notes for additional information). Count the number of shots and identify each one in the scene. List them on your shot sequence worksheet provided, noting the type of shot and who or what is inside the frame. After you have completed the annotated shot sequence, identify the other production aspects of this scene by reviewing the scene again -- the costumes, lighting, set decoration, music etc. List them on your worksheet as well. What are they telling you, the audience, about the scene and the characters in the scene. Turn in your shot sequence and production analysis on MONDAY. This is worth 40 points.

PART II
Then, using what you know about the film's plot summary, analyze in depth in 750 words or less what is happening in the scene. What do the characters' facial expressions communicate to us? If there is dialogue, what does that communicate to the viewer? Conduct a formal and very in depth analysis of your selected shot. This short analysis is the ONLY thing you will post on the blog. This is due by 3 p.m. on Tuesday and you MUST respond to another classmates' response. Your analysis is also worth 40 points. Enjoy!

Click this link for film clips to analyze for this assignment: North by Northwest Clips

Question of the Week (4/6/12)

This week we will be watching numerous film clips and you will be expected to write several analytical paragraphs based on the clips you watch. Any time you are going to write a film analysis or critique, one of the best places to start is with your first reaction to the film, which is where this blog question begins. 
Click on the link and watch this clip from the movie Benny and Joon. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxTiMb32_FE


Did you like this film clip? Why or why not? Did seeing this film clip make you want to possibly see the rest of the film? Why or why not? 


Post your response by the end of the day on Tuesday at 3 p.m. For this post you do NOT have to respond to a classmate's response. Enjoy your weekend.