Film study Flashcards
Genre
This is the type of film determines much of the film itself techniques characters stereotypes themes lighting
title
identifying feature for film
consider whether the title is literal or symbolic and which feature it focuses on
camera shot
refers to how much of a subject can be seen because of how far away the camera is
Extreme long shot / Established shot
- the camera is far away
- the setting can be seen, but little detail
- it is often used to establish setting and atmosphere
long shot
- the whole of the subject can be seen
- more detail is visible
medium shot
-roughly half subject can be seen
-gives more detail on attitude, emotion
-consider what chaaracter traits are suggested
context and environment are still seen, which contributes to the effect
Medium two shot
- shows detail of relationship (consider posture, tension, distance, body language)
- consider line composition
Medium close up shot
Much more detail can be seen (subtleties of facial expression, emotion, etc. can be seen)
Close up shot
- head face is seen (allows focus on emotion/reaction)
- consider effect of choosing close up
Extreme close up shot
- allows for fine detail to be seen
- focus on important item/symbol
- consider what is suggested/revealed through this
Camera angles
Refers to tilting o the camera
Birds’ eye view/aerial shot
1: 00 angle
- Extreme high angle
- creates map like or target affect
- can be used to show setting
- Consider context, Intention effect
High view/angel
2: 00
- camera positioned above subject and tilted down towards subject
- subject appears smaller
- can suggest inferiority, insignificance, vulnerability, isolation etc.
Neutral view/ Eye level
3: 00
- camera not tilted, held straight on, looking straight at subject
- neutral, unbiased and natural or shows the character’s view
Low view/angle
4: 00
- camera below subject and tilted up
- subject appears bigger
- can show intimidation, power, authority, fear, superiority etc.
Worms eye view
5: 00
- extreme low angle
- exaggerates insignificance and view seen
- consider context, intention and effect
Movement
Refers to movement of whole camera
Tilting
- Camera moves vertically on axis
- Can emphasis size, tension etc.
Panning
- camera moves horizontally on its axis
- often used to show setting, space
Tracking/craning/dolly
- camera mounted so it can follow the action
- can assist with point of view perspective
- often gives sense of action and immediacy
Zooming
- changes shot and we can see this happening
- consider reason for change
- actual zooming process can have specific intention
Synchronous sound
These are natural; sounds matching the action
Birds
Non-synchronous sound
Added in editing to create specific emotional and atmospheric effects
(Music)
Natural lighting
- Neutral, objective
- Doesn’t suggest anything specific about subject
- Can link to atmosphere
Lighting from above
- creates glow at top of subject
- radiance suggests goodness
Lighting from below
Creates strange shadows
Back lighting (lighting from behind)
- allows only silhouette to be seen
- ominous, uncertain, sinister etc.
Lighting from the side
- allowing half subject to be visible and half in shadow
- suggests hypocrisy, deceit, untrustworthiness or uncertainty, conflict, mystery
- consider symbolism of light and darkness
Color
- used for symbolic effect
- consider in context for mood, character traits, atmosphere.
- consider reason for recurring color
Composition
Each frame placed carefully. Consider: -positioning of characters -setting visible -background -important details or symbols -angles -lines -color -proxemics range/distance (how far characters are from one another)
Framing
Each frame can be seen as a photograph and discussed
Mis en scene
Overall visual effect of all elements of a frame
Line
-images positioned to suggest certain linear effect or direction (affects movement and atmosphere)
horizontal lines - give sense of broadness to the frame, allowing space, peace, rest-fullness, or expanse
Vertical lines - these can suggest strength, or importance. Consider setting and atmosphere
Diagonal lines - create movement, suggest dynamic activity
Cut (editing)
- two different frames literally cut and put together.
- create sense of time passing, or sudden change, contrast or simply a different view
Fade (editing)
Fade out - the frames fades to black
Fade in - from a dark screen, the image slowly became visible
Dissolve (editing)
One frame fades as another appears simultaneously
Superimposition (editing)
Two different frames are visible simultaneously, one being on top of the other. The
