A
Cause
subject of _ , theme that _ , _ tone , _style
characterization of _ as _ , _ depiction of _
the use of conventions of the _ genre
_ setting , symbolization of _ , images of _ ,
_imagery , _dialogue , _diction , _ syntax ,
conflict between __ and _ , irony that _ , _ plot
_’s dilemma choosing between _ and _
the subplot in which _ , resolution where _
writer’s use of _
allegory , alliteration , assonance , connotation
allusion to _ , exposition , falling action , foil
figurative language , flashback , foreshadowing
hyperbole , metaphor , metonymy , parody
onomatopoeia , personification , rhyme , satire
rising action , simile , understatement
_ point of view:
-1st, 2nd, or 3rd person
-objective, omniscient, or limited omniscient
-reliable or unreliable
See “Some Literary Terms”
handout for definitions of terms.
B
Effect
subject of _ , theme that _ , _ tone , _style
characterization of _ as _ , _ depiction of _
evocation of the _ genre
high quality
success at _
authentic portrayal of _
beauty
complexity
originality
memorableness
poignancy
suggestiveness
mystery
power
poor quality
unsuccessful _
failure to _
inauthentic portrayal of _
clichéd use of _ or depiction of _
unoriginality
sentimentality
amatuerness
inconsistency
boringness
C
Filmic causes and effects
Many possibilities from
A and B
technique of _
-cross-cutting
-voice-over
- other
director’s choice of _
-actor
-location
-lighting
-music
-colors
-pacing
-costume
-camera angle -editing
If you feel the director is an “auteur,” you
may attribute all of a film’s decisions to
him or her, as above. You also could
name the individual who is credited at end
of film or at www.imbd.com, as below:
costume designer’s choice of shirt
cinematographer’s cross-cutting
screenwriter Brian Helgelund’s
structuring of plot
See a website like the following
http://www.filmsite.org/filmterms1.html
for ideas and explanations of terms.