Classical Cinematic
Technique and
Shadow of a Doubt
SE PowerPoint
Purpose

To examine the elements of film technique
in relation to Shadow of a Doubt utilizing
John Belton’s Classical Hollywood
Cinema: Style.
Class Outline



Lecture on classical
economy and mise-enscene.
Discuss camera and
lighting techniques with
students defining terms as
they come up.
Discuss sound techniques
with students breaking
into groups for discussion.

Discuss editing with
students defining terms as
as they come up. Short
discussion within groups
will ensue.
 After the lecture and
group discussions, time
will be allotted for
questions.
*Time will be allotted after
each small group
discussion to allow for
sharing of answers and
class discussion.
Classical Hollywood Film

Classical Hollywood films are characterdriven with techniques utilized to further
character development and action.
Classical Economy

Detail, Details, Details!
 Everything in the scene serves a purpose
and is there to further the narrative.
 In groups of three or four, find a scene in
which you all feel exemplifies classical
economy.
Mise-En-Scene
Literally, “putting on stage”
 Mise-En-Scene is the relationship of
everything in the shot to everything else in
the shot.
 Includes:

Technique: The Camera

Angle
– High-Angle Shot:
– Low-Angle Shot:
 Distance
– Extreme Close-Up:
– Close-Up:
– Medium Close-Up:
Technique: The Camera, p.2

Movement
– Zoom:
– Pan:
– Tracking Shot:
– Dolly Shot:
– Crane Shot:
Technique: Lighting

Natural Lighting:
 Star Lighting:
 Three-Point Lighting: Dominant source of
light that eliminates shadows. Includes:
– Key Light:
– Back Light:
– Fill Light:
Technique: Lighting, p.2

High-Key Lighting:
 Low-Key Lighting:
Technique: Sound

Dialogue:
 Sound and Continuity:
 Sound Track:

In your groups, discuss one scene from
Shadow of a Doubt in which you think the
sound track plays an integral part.
Technique: Editing

Editing is the primary means of organizing
the film.
 Invisible Editing:
Technique: Editing, p.2

Transitions/Editing from scene to scene:
– Cut:
– Fade:
 Fade-in:
 Fade-out:
– Dissolve:
– Wipe:
– Iris:
Technique: Editing, p.3

Editing and Narrative Structure:
– Linear:
– Circular/Symmetrical:
– Flashback:
 Brainstorm
within your same group
and try come up with an example of
each form.
Technique: Editing, p.4

Editing within a scene:
– Matches:



Eyeline match:
Graphic match:
Point of View (P.O.V.):
– The 180-Degree Rule:

Is there an example of eyeline match
within Shadow of a Doubt? If so, what is
the significance of this match?
Conclusion

Review of lecture.
 Question anyone?