The following list is of elements of cinematography and lighting from your textbook. For this short essay students typically write on two or three aspects of the topic – please DO NOT include all of them. Better to have more in-depth exploration of a few topics below than superficial discussion of many.
1.) Choose ONE topic of film form that we have studied over the quarter, analyze a single scene from a film via your topic.
On each form topic page within this site you will find suggested scenes for analysis. You may choose one of the suggested scenes or pick your own. If you choose your own scene you MUST provide a link to that specific scene on an online resource site such as You Tube. The link should not direct me to the entire film. If you choose your own scene, think carefully about how well your scene works with the topic. Please do not choose scenes heavy in computer generated effects.
The topic pages contain a list of topic concepts or attributes. Your answers should discuss several concepts from the list, NOT all of them. Analysis of two typically works best.
2.) The essay should have a clear thesis and conclusion.
3.) Essays should be approximately 850 – 1000 words (typically 3-4 pages 1.5 line spacing). These are general guidelines. It is important that the paper be concise, well edited, and that the content clearly support the stated thesis. Length does not equal quality.
4.) One of the challenges of this assignment is to write on your topic and scene ONLY, using correct film language and terminology. Limiting your analysis to the chosen topic demonstrates that you understand it thoroughly.
Do not summarize the film, plot, or provide a lot of background information on the film.
You can assume that your instructor has watched the film and scene that you are analyzing. Please do not provide a detailed plot description. Write background information on the film, director, etc ONLY if that information is necessary to support your thesis. If you do write any type of plot or background information, keep it very short and at the beginning of the essay. The intent of the assignment is analysis, not summary, or criticism.
Organize the paper by element of your topic, building your argument as each element supports your thesis. Do not describe the film form element while the scene is running, in chronological order.
Summarize the use of camera angles, editing techniques, etc. providing specific examples and correct terminology.
Avoid the use of “I.”
It is easy to slip into a subjective stance when you use the “I” in your paper. Try to find a more objective way of beginning your sentences than “I found” or “I feel.” There are some exceptions, a helpful article on this subject can be found here: http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/should-i-use-i/
POV (point of view) of the camera
Terms include: single character, group, omniscient
Black and white – tonal range within B&W, significance of B&W
Color – use of color and significance
Source of light: natural vs. artificial
Hard light vs. soft light
Quality of light – low key and high key lighting
Direction of the light in relation to the subject
Three point lighting
Lighting ratios
Camera movement (terms include: tilt shot, pan shot, dolly shot, tracking shot, crane shot, steadicam, handheld camera)
Use of lenses: (focal length: wide angle, medium (middle focal length), telephoto, zoom lens)
Depth of field (includes concepts of deep focus, creating the illusion of depth)
Rack focus
Framing, composition of the shot (includes concept of the rule of thirds)
Proximity to the camera (distance, and height of subject, scale of various
objects or subjects in relation to each other ) terms include : ELS,LS, MLS, MS, MCU, CU, ECU
Camera angle and height
Terms include: eye level, high angle, dutch angle, low angle, arial
Spatial and temporal dimensions ( includes: slow motion, fast motion, long and short takes)
Suggested scenes for cinematography analysis:
Asphalt Jungle
www.kristintripp.com/video/high_noon_train.mov
Gran Torino
www.kristintripp.com/video/gran_torino_confrontation.mov
Raging Bull
www.kristintripp.com/video/r_bull_fight.mov
The Prestige
www.kristintripp.com/video/prestige_light_field.mov
The Manchurian Candidate
www.kristintripp.com/video/m_candidate_end.mov
Do The Right Thing
www.kristintripp.com/video/DTRT_boombox.mov
Notorious
www.kristintripp.com/video/notorious_coffee.mov
Midnight Cowboy
www.kristintripp.com/video/m_cowboy_arrival.mov
The Hurt Locker
www.kristintripp.com/video/hurt_locker_sniper.mov
American Beauty
www.kristintripp.com/video/abeauty_running.mov
Sex, Lies and Videotape
www.kristintripp.com/video/sex_lies_table_talk.mov
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