Film Question

Description

For this Scaffold, you will be performing a sequence analysis focusing on the film or episode that you’ll explore in your final project. Aim to select a sequence that runs around 40-60 seconds, and/or one that features between 10-20 shots.

First, you will annotate the shots using the following guidelines, which I will supply (below). This need not be a highly advanced scene breakdown like you would be asked to perform in Film Analysis, but it will require some careful study. I am asking for (at least) the following: shot length, shot scale (close-up, long shot, &c), camera movement, and other specifics (slow-motion, editing techniques, &c). You should also try to note relevant dialogue, music (diegetic or non?) and other sounds, if applicable.

Remember that these need not be perfect. Refer to the PPTs on film language, or ask me. Here are the two optional templates you can use, which have example terms in but do not correspond to the clips directly (Excel and Word):

nnotation_Template-1.docxDownload Annotation_Template-1.docx

Annotation_Template-1.xlsx Download Annotation_Template-1.xlsx

You will turn in this annotation, and it will also serve as a jumping off point to write a short response (200-300 words) about the clip as a whole. Use the work you’ve already done in your close reading to extrapolate and make the case of what, specifically, this scene is doing. You may refer to the larger work (the film itself), but try to let your analysis emerge from a close reading of this sequence in particular. Some things to keep in mind:

• Are there certain patterns in terms of framing/scale, shot length, etc? Why, do you think?
• When is camera movement used (or not used), and to what effect?
• Is the sequence edited using basic cuts, or are there other techniques (dissolves, fades, rapid montage, etc?)
• Is there anything going on in terms of perspective / POV? How is the viewer situated/sutured?
• What is sound doing here? Is it diegetic or non-diegetic?