Lesson 1 - close veiwing- other techniques

Question 1

Dialogue

Answer 1

The words spoken by characters in the film. This includes not just what they say but also their
tone (i.e. how they say it – is it sincere, aggressive, sarcastic? etc).

Question 2

Soundtrack

Answer 2

Soundtrack is used to create mood in films. Light, jaunty music might give a light hearted
feel. Heavy, discordant music might give us a feeling that something terrible is about to
happen, or that something is about to go wrong. A slow crescendo (where music becomes
increasingly loud) may be used to heighten tension in a scene.

Question 3

Costume

Answer 3

Directors use costume to communicate ideas about characters in the film. A comical character
might be dressed in bright colours, or a ridiculous outfit. A ‘bad guy’ might be dressed all in

black, and be scarred or disfigured. The outward appearance of a character can sometimes
(though not always) reflect their underlying personality/character.

Question 4

Symbolism

Answer 4

Directors may use objects or images to suggest an idea to the viewer. Wilted flowers may be
used to suggest the idea that a relationship has ended. A bird being released from a cage into
the sky may suggest the idea of moving from slavery to freedom.

Question 5

Mise en scene

Answer 5

The placement of objects (usually props) in a particular shot or scene. The placement of props
can help the audience to gain a better understanding of a particular character and their
personality. For example, a shot in which a character is positioned in front of a shelf full of
books uses mise en scene (the placement of books which fill the shelves) to indicate that the
character is studious, academic, intelligent, etc.

Question 6

Diegetic sound

Answer 6

Any sound whose source comes from within the world of the film. Characters in the film will
be able to hear diegetic sounds, such as a band playing in a bar, or street noise (people
talking, cars revving, etc).

Question 7

non diegetic sound

Answer 7

Sound whose source is not in the world of the film. Non-diegetic sound is audible to the
viewer, but not to the characters in the film. Non-diegetic sound is often used to create a
particular mood or atmosphere for the viewer, e.g. soppy music playing during a romantic
scene.