Film Techniques AP English 11 Trimester 1
FILM: Not just content (actors, costumes, sets) Film technique (shots, editing, special effects, lighting, color, sound) Technique enhances message FICTION/NONFICTION: Not just story (characters, setting, plot) Language technique (syntax, detail, diction, imagery) Technique enhances message Films are a kind of text
Long shot Medium shot Types of Shotsfrom Reel Conversations and Seeing and Believing
Close-up Extreme close-up Types of Shots (cont.)
High Angle “Eye Level” Low Angle Singin’ in the Rain Shots: Camera Angles
Side to side, fixed base Up/down, fixed base Moves to side, but remains in same plane Up/down through space Not movement, but shift to come swiftly close or far Shots: Camera Movement • Pan • Tilt • Tracking/dolly • Boom • Zoom
Duration of shots • Subliminal (a few frames) • Quick (less than a second) • Average (more than a second but less than a minute) • Lengthy (more than a minute) • Rear Window Alfred Hitchcock
Framing of Shots • Draws attention to specific aspects of the shot • Framing devices can include windows, doors, arches, etc.
Foreground Middle Ground Background Out of Africa Arrangement in a Shot
Editing • Cut • Fade-out/Fade-in (loss of/gaining consciousness, e.g.) • Dissolve (One scene superimposed over another, suggests a link) • Wipe—flip, iris, star, etc. Can be gimmicky/melodramatic (Star Wars) • Unbreakable Memorial Service
Sound • Voice-over narration – Stand By Me • Dialogue – advances plot, develops character, sets mood • Sound effects – sets mood • Soundtrack music – sets mood, establishes motifs/links, communicates message (if you recognize the music) • Seabiscuit (11 mins)
Lighting • Spot – draws attention to small field of the shot (face, key element) • Concentrated – draws attention to aspect of shot • Diffused – obscures (smoke, fog, filter) • Seabiscuit (39.30 mins)
Color • Saturation – intensity of a specific color within a shot • Emotion behind color
Sample film analysis: Opening Scene Citizen Kane As you view the film clip, determine the following: • What message is behind the dying man holding a snow globe and what he truly owned? • How do the following techniques contribute to that message? • Camera movement, shot type, camera angle, editing, sound, framing • Citizen Kane
Sample film analysis: The Mushrooms Scene, LOTR: Fellowship of the Ring As you view the film clip, determine the following: • What message is being sent about the safety of the Shire? • How do the following techniques contribute to that message? • Camera movement, shot type, camera angle, editing, sound, framing • LOTR
