Introduction to Film Hollywood: FI2006
First Essay Guide and Instructions
(Due Monday, 22 November)
For the first assignment you are to submit a 2000 word
analysis of one scene from one of the films we have studied
in the first five weeks. This must include the following:
1) clear evidence that you have undertaken shot by shot
analysis.
2) Clear and accurate use of film analysis terminology .
3) A coherent argument which demonstrates how at least two
elements (i.e. cinematography, mise-en-scène, editing,
sound etc.) contribute to the narrative function of the
scene and in turn how that fits into the narrative system of
the entire film.
Important: We are looking for an understanding of how the
elements of film contribute to the telling of the story. You
should not simply recount the narrative as you might with a
novel or a short story. You must have clear references to
cinematic devices in narrating the story and show how they
function to progress the narrative. As practice you are
advised to keep a five-entry draft journal that corresponds
with the topics of each week. The instructions below are
designed to help you to use your draft journal to familiarise
yourself with the terminology and concepts of film analysis
and help you to construct your 2000 word analysis.
1) ‘Beginnings’: Show in detail the importance of the opening
scene of one of these two films The Postman Always Rings Twice
(MGM, Dir. Tay Garnett, 1946) 110 mins, or Now Voyager,
(Warner Brothers, dir. Irving Rapper, US 1942) in setting up the
narrative and introducing the characters. Start from the first shot
after the credits and end where you believe the exposition scene
ends. Try where possible to refer to the filmic elements such as
mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing and sound where
possible. (Try comparing the beginning with the ending to give you
a sense of how the filmic system is working.) Please note there are
4 video copies and 1 DVD copy of the film in the Avenue Library.
2) Mise-en- scène: Consider the relationship of mise-en-scène to
the narrative structure of Casablanca by using one short scene
(not used in the lecture). Show how the mise-en-scène in that
scene functions within the overall form of the film identifying any
patterns of parallelism, progression or development. In short how
do the elements of the mise-en-scène work together to contribute
to the film’s narration. (In Film Art Bordwell and Thompson suggest
that you follow an element of the mise-en- scène throughout the
film and chart any changes it may undergo.)
3) Cinematography: You are asked here to discuss the
cinematography of Rebecca (Selznick International Pictures, dir.
Alfred Hitchcock, US, 1940) or Written on the Wind (Universal, dir.
Douglas Sirk, US 1956). Consider the film in its entirety and
demonstrate your understanding and awareness of
cinematographic qualities such as framing, shot-size, duration,
movement, texture of the image, colour. Show how the
cinematography functions in the telling of the story and its effect.
4) Editing: Construct a shot-by-shot analysis of one scene (not
discussed in the lecture) in Rear Window (Universal, dir. Alfred
Hitchcock, US, 1954). Discuss in detail the significance of the
relationship of shot to shot both in graphic continuity, rhythm,
spatial and temporal continuity and in how these contribute to the
overall form of the film.
5) Sound: With reference to one scene from either Singin’ in the
Rain (MGM., dir. Stanley Donen, 1952) or Footlight Parade
(Warner Bros., dir. Lloyd Bacon, 1933) or On The Town, (MGM,
dir. Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly, 1949), show how the
soundtrack works with the image to form the film’s narration. You
will want identify the different types of sound (Music, Noise,
Speech), their sources (diegetic, non-diegetic) in your analysis of
how they work alongside the image to create or reinforce patterns
in the overall narrative system.
Nb: You may want to use a table showing shot size/shot
description/soundtrack as an attachment to your essay. You
should include these breakdowns which you can refer to in your
analysis but they will not be counted as part of the word limit. Film
Art has some very helpful Tables that have columns for Shot
Voice, Effects, Music and Action/Camera. As you analyse the film
try breaking it down like this to get a clear sense of how the
soundtrack works with the image and all of the elements work
together.
Submission requirements:
As with all essays this should be word-processed. All films and
written works should be correctly cited. If you have illustrations or
graphs they should be clearly produced. Please submit two copies
of your essay.