Saturday, November 14, 2009

Yale Film Analysis Resource

Click only on the left side links. Don't use the drop down on top left of page. A bit clunky with small photos, but includes a number of good video examples and all is explained simply and clearly.


Friday, November 13, 2009

Film: A Favourite Scene

Write a short paragraph (150 words) that describes a favourite scene (five minutes or fewer of screen time). Name two techniques the filmmaker has used (how the scene is framed, for example. Are actors shown in closeup or far away?) Why did he or she use the technique in your opinion? It may be to make us laugh (as in the "spinning sign" in Romeo and Juliet) or to create a mood (the empty, ice-bound train we see in The Ice Storm).

If you have a copy of the film, bring it to class next week. If not and you know the URL for YouTube, put it in your answer. We will watch and discuss as many scenes as we can next Wednesday.


DOCUMENT: Examining Mis-en-scene (the basic vocabulary of film)