Film Analysis: Analyse a shot, or sequence or any aspect ofa film, chosen from one ofthe films screened between weeks 1 to 4. In doing
this work use at least one ofthe ideas presented within the course to demonstrate your capacity for independent visual analysis propelled
by an idea. The idea chosen must be clearly defined and used as conceptual tool to develop your analysis. Please followthe detailed
guidelines provided below on howto go about this task in a systematic and principled manner.
this work use at least one ofthe ideas presented within the course to demonstrate your capacity for independent visual analysis propelled
by an idea. The idea chosen must be clearly defined and used as conceptual tool to develop your analysis. Please followthe detailed
guidelines provided below on howto go about this task in a systematic and principled manner.
Film Analysis Guidelines
1st Step:-
Choose
a segment from a film; a segment may be a single shot, a scene, a sequence or any other unit that you find interesting. If it is a one-shot
film then analyse the whole film but with the longerfilms it is best to delimit your choice to some specific aspect ofthe work.
film then analyse the whole film but with the longerfilms it is best to delimit your choice to some specific aspect ofthe work.
2nd
Step:-
Describe what you actually see and (hear) in the shot as exactly as you can, using the basic film terminology provided in the course
reader. For example, ifa shot is in close-up, it is important to state this and analyse its implications both compositionally and for you
as spectator. To be able to do this you must view/study your chosen segment several times and take notes. Then, write at least two drafts of
your descriptive material paying particular attention to the quality of your prose. Be economical with the use of adjectives, especially
your descriptive material paying particular attention to the quality of your prose. Be economical with the use of adjectives, especially
those pertaining to yourfeelings about what you see (i.e. “beautiful”) because at this stage what you need to do is be as objective as
possible in describing the compositional features, the movements and rhythms ofthe segment. Make sure that your prose is lucid, economical
and precise. Economy is essential because you have very few words to devote to the work of description. Description is a means to facilitate
analysis, which is the main focus ofthe exercise. See if you can bring the film to life, so to speak, through your descriptive prose.
possible in describing the compositional features, the movements and rhythms ofthe segment. Make sure that your prose is lucid, economical
and precise. Economy is essential because you have very few words to devote to the work of description. Description is a means to facilitate
analysis, which is the main focus ofthe exercise. See if you can bring the film to life, so to speak, through your descriptive prose.
3rd
Step:-
Analyse what you have carefully described by using at least one ofthe ideas and concepts introduced in the lectures. Use the ideas
creatively. For example, show how an idea operates in a film in a performative manner, visually.
creatively. For example, show how an idea operates in a film in a performative manner, visually.
4th Step:-
Make imaginative connections
between all ofthe above so that finally this piece ofwriting is an expression of how you see and understand the film. This is the moment
when you may thematise the more technical concerns previously analysed.
when you may thematise the more technical concerns previously analysed.
