Film Analysis Reading Summary

         In the chapter assigned the ability to interpret meaning through film analysis is discussed. Firstly, film analysis is the act of breaking a film down into component parts to see how it is put together. There are three different types of statements regarding the varying types of meaning that can be discovered when analyzing a film. Descriptive claims are the first type and are the easiest to find. This type of statement entails detailing plot events in order - by doing this, a summary of a film can be formed. They can also include how the audio contributes to the meaning of the film and identify allusions and references to other works. Interpretive claims are more complex than the first type, for they allow the analyzer to form an argument regarding why and how the film hows the meaning discovered. Even so, evidence and details within the film must be provided for a claim of this sort to be deemed suitable. Any claims of this type must also analyze all aspects of the film such as: abstract ideas, themes, and motifs. To put it simply, interpretive claims are arguments that include all elements in order to solidify the statement. Evaluative claims seek to determine the author's feelings regarding a film. As with the latter claim, evidence within the film must be provided to support this but must be much more careful since opinion is to be included.

Short History of Silent Film

 Star Wars(1977 - 2015 ) & Metropolis (1927)

Visual

Audio

Clip of sets within both movies, namely the buildings Comparison of C3PO and the robotic Hel Creation scene of Hel Clip of C3PO explaining how Anakin created him  Metropolis clip followed by Star Wars clip

Narration: It is no surprise any films of today pay homage to a number of works belonging to older eras. A film that does just this (in regards to the silent era in particular) is Star Wars, as director George Lucas has included many (deliberate) connections that can be made to the 1927 movie entitled Metropolis, directed by Fritz Lang. Comparisons between the two works can be made right down to the sets – high rise buildings are present in both the city of Metropolis and the city-planet of Coruscant in Star Wars. Furthermore, between these structures are mazes of buildings with space lanes full of flying cars, each traveling in neat rows. Aside from the choice of such a design, even the color palette for the black-and-white silent film is similar to Coruscant’s, with the exception of the flourish of colored lights. Another prominent connection to be made is the importance Rotwang’s right hand. Rotwang, the inventor of the Maria’s clone (the Robot similar to C3PO), has a mechanical right hand that is constantly covered by a black glove. The similarity to be made is the history of C3PO and Anakin Skywalker, especially considering, the motif of the black glove is present throughout the entirety of the Star Wars saga. The thematic thesis of Metropolis is also utilized throughout Star Wars. The people and machines are the hands of society, and the upper-class serves as the mind in the equation. Unless there is a mediator of both worlds to provide the heart, tyranny ensues.

Works Cited: 

" Star Wars Connections/Flashback with C3PO and R2D." YouTube. Web. 5 March. 2016.

 "The Cinema Behind Star Wars: Metropolis | StarWars.com." StarWars.com. 18 Aug. 2014. Web. 05 Mar. 2016.

Montage Summary.

       Montage is a technique in film editing in which a series of short shots are edited into a sequence to condense space, time, and information. The term has been used in various contexts. It was introduced to cinema primarily by and early Soviet directors used it as a synonym for creative editing. In France the word "montage" means cutting. The term "montage sequence" has been used primarily by British and American studios.

       The montage sequence is usually used to suggest the passage of time, rather than to create symbolic meaning as it does in Soviet montage theory.

Screen Resolution.

Aperture Blog Post.

1. Find a good video example online for "Rack Focus"

• Set the camcorder in manual focus mode. Now focus the video camera so that the first object is in focus. The second object should be blurred and out of focus. Repeat this same action as you proceed to go down the line.

• Rack Focus is used in film to focus on multiple objects one after one. The focus then blurs out of the objects that have already been focused on, considering the action generally goes down in a line.

2. Find a good video example online for "In and Out of Focus."

• Zoom in and make sure it's focus, then once you have it on the desired shot long enough, zoom out.
• In and out focus is used to focus on a specific object/person and then focus elsewhere.

3. Find a good video example online for "Bokeh."

• Find Christmas Light and zoom in.
• Bokeh is used to visually appealing, forcing us to focus our attention on a particular area of the image.

4. Find a video tutorial on "Depth of Field" in photography 

Chase Scene

     1. How do filmmakers use Camera Angles to enhance their work?

Film makers use these number of angles to enhance their work by making their project appear far more interesting. If they were to keep in the same frame the majority or all of the film it would be surely be dull. Camera angles allow filmmakers to mix it up so as to make for better visuals. Along with this, different angles allow for new perspectives and this tends to enhance the storyline.

2. What is the effect camera movements have on the viewer?

The camera movements effect the viewer in that it keeps them interested by keeping them involved in the action. This is especially helpful because it helps to avoid keeping the frame of a clip in one spot (or simply stationary in general) for the entirety of the project. It helps show the perspective of other characters present within the film (namely when using a point of view shot) & establish different locations.

Successes: Our successes would be continuing to work even when the majority of the cast was not present. This allowed us to think outside of the box in order to be able to continue to work. We got quite creative with our costumes as well, which made for a more interesting antagonist. I think our different settings were a success, because they allowed for the use of principles of design. The best use of camera movements was the tracking shot because it emphasized the urgency when the antagonist was moving to find his victims. Most of the movements help to convey a certain emotion & that makes the scenes all the more important. Lastly, the use of the group pop in and pop out scenes made the film a bit more interesting and entertaining. I personally believe those are our best shots.

Recommendations: Some recommendations for next time are being better with consistency. The staple pieces of the costumes were present each time, but changes in hair and pants might make it seem a little off. We could have done a bit better with our pop in and pop out shot because some of them were simply popping out & the popping in portion was not seen. The canting shot was also a bit shaky, but because it was supposed to be through the perspective of the mirror Daphne dropped, I think this may be forgivable. 

Independent Study: Slumdog Millionaire Background Notes