Based on your knowledge on the film's production , add at least one point about how this affected the content of at least one of the scenes you have analysed e.g actor's methods and state of mind, use of improvisation , influence of external events etc.
FINAL SCENES
Apocalypse Now : Kilgore / Helicopter attack
arriving at the beach with Kilgore
Analyse how at least two of these scenes uses film form ( cinematography,editing, mise-en-scene( including iconography) sound and performance
to develop the film's narrative and characters and explore themes such as American culture, interventionism , the nature and history of war and the idea of heroism .
Briefly analyse how the opening scenes of Apocalypse Now uses the elements of film form to create meaning and audience response and how you feel this is setting up the content, themes , narrative and attitude to heroism and war in the rest of the film
Cinematography
( camera angles/framing / movement , lighting and colour )
Editing
( cuts and transitions , use of montage and multiple layers , order of shots, narrative structure )
Mise-en-scene
( settings, props,costume, iconic and meaningful objects and imagery )
Sound
( use of music,sound effects and any dialogue )
Performance
( posture,body language , non-verbal communication , physique and physical performance )
Research the following :
New Hollywood ( timeline , how it differed from the Hollywood studio system and find some key directors that are lnked to the movement )
Francis Ford Coppola
Key films , auteur signature , career overview
The Vietnam War
Location and key dates , impact on America and any other films it inspired
Choose a film director who you think qualifies as an auteur i.e has a creative signature or recognisable style in use of film form , casting , use of narrative and genre.
Create a blog post explaining their creative signature with examples from their films , as well as any relevant production information detailing their creative control or influence.
Some examples
Edgar Wright
Jordan Peele
Andrea Arnold
Based on our class discussions and resources on the blog, briefly summarise the Hollywood studio system, focusing on the following :
Summarise ( with examples form Casablanca and other films where possible ) the key conventions and "rules" of classical Hollywood style film form.
This should cover the following elements :
Cinematography and lighting
( e.g matching eyelines, 180 degree rule , framing and shot types for clear narrative )
Editing
( e.g cause and effect, invisible continuity editing , use of shot /reverse shot , narrative resolution should be clear )
Mise-en-scene
( e,g should be "realistic " and consistent and support the narrative rather than dominate it.)
Sound
( e.g should match onscreen action ( synchronous) , support the narrative and the mood of the film, should create relavant and clear responses in audience e.g use of dranatic music )
Performance
( e,g should be "realistic " and consistent , character motivation should be clear and linear )
You can find some resources and more examples on the Casablanca blog here
INTRO TO RICK'S BAR SCENE ( link)
End your analysis when we see Rick and before any conversation starts
Analyse how the following elements of film form are used to create meaning and guide audience response ( understanding of narrative, setting,characters , plot, themes etc. ) in the " Introduction to Rick's Bar " sequence.
Cinematography
( use of camera shots, framing , camera movement and angles , lighting)
Editing
( use and extent of transitions such as cuts or fades, order of scenes and shots, narrative structure )
Mise-en-scene
( background, props ,costume , objects etc.)
Sound
( use or absence of music,sound effects, spoken word such as dialague/voiceover)
Performance
(casting, physical performance e.g posture, body language and expression , reaction to other characters or narrative etc. )
Publish your analysis on the blog by the end of the week.
Welcome to Film Studies !
This course will cover analysis of Hollywood cinema from the 1920s to the present day as well as British, European , and global cinema. You will also be discussing issues and debates around experimental film and documentaries, as well as the chance to plan and create you own film production work.
EXPECTATIONS
A strong interest in film and a willingness to explore new and unfamiliar film genres and contexts.You will be expected to watch and analyse other films in your own time and complete extensive homework tasks.
Respect for the teacher and all other students and the ability to listen to others
