FILM STUDY GOALS: Literary Film
Film is visual storytelling, so it is our goal in Contemporary Lit to explore how the language of film is used in contemporary visual storytelling. Specifically, students will be able to:
- Describe how specific shots and angles reinforce meaning in a scene.
- Analyze how lighting and color theory contribute to theme as well as the dramatic effect or feel of a film's appearance.
- Discuss the elements of the "mise-en-scene" of specific film sequences.
- Identify which techniques a director uses to introduce main characters in the plot.
- Use film as a way to talk about significant issues and choices.
- Use new kinds of film as a way to enhance critical thinking, motivate curiosity, and challenge imagination
- Investigate film thematically, as a reflection of society, and by genre.
R E S O U R C E S
1. Introduction to Shots and AnglesDIRECTIONS: This video tutorial starts without music, so don't go looking for new headphones!
Pause the tutorial as needed to take notes on your student study packet. The arrows point to where you should write the definition and the effect of each shot. GOAL: You should be able to identify a shot style and camera angle in any frame in any movie. |
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2. Review Camera TechniquesDIRECTIONS: Do a quick review of basic shots, angles, and camera movements.
GOAL: Learn a few more techniques filmmakers use to enhance their stories. Write your responses on the study guide.
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4. Practice: Camera Movement, Shots, and Angles in "Painted" DIRECTIONS: This modern dance piece and the filming of it are both works of art. Practice identifying the effects of camera movement and shot sequences in "Painted."
GOALS:
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What is a Storyboard?A storyboard plans the types of shots, sound effects, and camera movements to be used for each scene of a film. It's another great way to practice shots and angles. Download the study guide here. Then go to the Storyboards Tech Page and look for the info on your study guide:
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CHARACTER INTRODUCTIONS
1. Study how filmmakers choose to introduce characters, whether at the beginning of the film or half-way into the film. Watch the tutorial on the right, and write notes on your study guide about how the techniques work. Watch #10 in the video to the right, and look at the example answer on your study guide. Use it as a guide for how to write about each technique.
2. Now, use these new skills to “close read” the introduction of two film characters. On your study guide, write about the technique used to introduce each of the characters below (Olive and Lt. Col. Spade) and the effect that is created by meeting them in this way. Use side two of the study guide for more writing room. |
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LIGHTING & COLOR THEORY
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1. After identifying the basic LIGHTING TECHNIQUES in your study guide, apply COLOR THEORY to see how dramatically they effect meaning in a film. Use this study guide as you interact with the tutorial on the left. Be sure to (A) describe the color palette being used and (b) describe the effect the color palette creates.
2. NOW, you have a full packet with the Language of Film to use in "reading" our films! You will refer to these often in our upcoming films. Be sure you have stapled together the following items:
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PSYCHOLOGY OF MUSIC IN FILM |
ANALYZE MUSIC IN A SCENE |
FRAMING & COMPOSITION IN FILM |
WORD BANK: heightened realism, mood, soundtrack, film score, psychology of music, auditory stimulation, diminished minor chord, uplifting anthems, fast tempo, slow and somber, orchestra, instruments mimic human sounds, anticipation, atmosphere, psychological insight of a character, continuity, finality, fill the silence, ambient sound.
THINK: What is the difference between soundtrack and film score? EXIT SLIP QUES. #1: Explain three of the most effective uses of music in a film. You must include at least three words from the word bank in your response. Lastly, highlight the three word bank phrases you used.(10 pts) |
CLOSE READ: Look at this scene from A Bronx Tale.
THINK: What is the role of music in this scene? What are all the things music represents? Why is this music in this scene? How do certain shots, angles, and even lighting contribute to meaning? EXIT SLIP QUES. #2: Using words from the music sound bank and your shots and angles vocabulary, explain three different parts of the sequence where music and shots & angles create a specific effect. Lastly, highlight the three word bank phrases you used. (10 pts) |
(Only watch up to 12:30 in this tutorial.)
WORD BANK: aesthetics, golden ratio, symmetry, pattern recognition, arrangement, chaos, contrasts, rule of thirds, central framing, look space, reframe for look space, head space, understanding rules before you break them, repetition THINK: What is the effect of these framing techniques? EXTRA CREDIT: Use three words from the word bank to make the strongest case for the importance of framing and composition in film. Lastly, highlight the three word bank phrases you used in your response. (10 pts) |