Running Record for Film Analysis
Film Lit
Since film is here and then gone, when attempting to analyze or critique it will benefit us
to keep a “running record” of what we are seeing on screen. After finishing the clip, scene, or
film, we can then go back, connect the dots, notice patterns, create our opinions, and critique a
part of the film or the film as a whole. But, just like any skill, as we practice analyzing, we shall
get better and more efficient at it! Don’t worry! Here, though, is a practice opportunity in
writing that running record in order to “capture” the film for later analysis.
STEPS
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7)
Divide your paper into halves (like a hot dog).
Use common shorthand abbreviations for things on-screen.
ACTIVELY view the clip or film.
Take notes as you go.
Don’t worry that you won’t get it all!
If you can….while taking notes….jot down reactions, thoughts, and predictions
When finished….decompress and apply background knowledge to your new information
and construct meaning from your new text given what you have collected.
MODEL (with Elizabeth)
MS – Queen – White
Cut - Bishops – LA
Back and forth – panicky
LA –bishops
Bishops parting
Starting over and over again
HA – Her throne (Weak? Powerless?)
Framed in corners and from between people (Hemmed in? Powerless?)
HA – queen
Shifting nervously on throne / arms at her side
Shifting while bishops are booing
Sense of humor – how can I force? I am a woman?
Bright red dress – stands out.
Most English virtue - bishops laughing
Cut away to some locked below ground (did she do this? Who are these guys?)
LK – probably would have opposed her
MS – better framing on queen as she gets less booing
Slight LA – gaining confidence with more laughing in crowd and with jokes
Over shoulder – looking into bishops – looks powerful with arms on throne leaning forward
CU on queen
Soundtrack – peaceful and violin music when asking for them to vote
Will she get what she wants?
In this scene, Queen Elizabeth is practicing her speech to the country’s clergy. She must
realize that this is an important speech in her reign and that the outcome will be impactful for her
ability to rule and to her country, as a whole. At first, Elizabeth is nervous. This becomes clear
as the shots come fast and furiously with many cuts back and forth to her starting over and over
again on a key line in her upcoming speech, creating a frantic, nervous feel. She is dressed in a
white frock, which symbolizes her purity of intentions and serves as foreshadowing that she shall
get that for which she asks.
Soon, though, the scene is intercut with shots of the clergy she is about to address. These
men, dressed in black (their traditional garb but also a hint into their adversarial mind sets) are
shot in low angles, which make them look powerful. Indeed, they are powerful as they alone
hold the keys to the queen’s desires. With their “no” votes they could reshape the country’s
future. As the queen walks in, though, they part (like a Biblical Red Sea) looking down upon the
powerless queen. This does not bode well for her because the next shot is a high angle shot of
the throne, where the weak queen will attempt to persuade these powerful clergy.
Eventually, though, Elizabeth gains some composure and she is no longer shot in tight
framing moments over people’s shoulders or in hard angles. In addition, the high angles of
before tend to soften until, when she is able to make a joke about her, as a women, not forcing
men to make decisions, she gains a foothold. Here the camera lowers its gaze upon her to an eye
level shot. This confidence is reinforced at the dramatic level when the actress places her arms
on the arms of the chair, assuming a stance of strength. In fact, she is also shot from behind to
show the large crowd from which she is gaining attention. Additionally, the non-diegetic music
begins softly yet builds slightly as she makes her final plea to the clergy. This music supports
that the queen will get that for which she asks. And although, one do not see the voting process
or the results of said vote in this scene, one can deduce that Elizabeth will receive a favorable
vote and will be able to move forward with her vision of the nation.