You are to write a 750 – 1000 word paper analyzing a scene in the context of the film in which it appears. You should describe the creative choices made by the filmmaker in detail and explain how those choices 1) advance the narrative and/or 2) deepen the characterizations and/or 3) illuminate the theme. These aesthetic choices may include:
- choice of angles
- choice of apparent camera distances
- singles versus two-shots, three-shots, etc.
- use of color
- use of visual textures
- shot framing and composition
- camera movements
- lighting choices
- lens choices (focus, depth of field, etc)
- editing choices
- sound choices (including music)
- narrative choices (structure of the scene, dialogue, choices relating to genre conventions, etc.)
Keep in mind that not all of these creative elements necessarily carry equal weight as applied to any specific scene. You will naturally have more to say about those choices that were more important to the filmmaker in creating the particular scene you are analyzing. Needless to say, you should choose a scene that lends itself to this kind of analysis.
You may choose any scene you wish from any of the assigned viewings for this class.
A paragraph indicating which film you would like to analyze and which scene from the film you plan to focus on is due on Tuesday, August 2. This can be very informal — just an e-mail to me is fine.
The final draft of the paper is due on Tuesday, August 9. You may submit the paper in hard copy or as an e-mail attachment. If you submit the paper in digital form via e-mail and you do not receive an acknowledgement from me within 24 hours, you should assume that the e-mail was not received and follow up appropriately. You are welcome to submit rough drafts prior to the due date, including incomplete drafts. I will be glad to take a look and offer my suggestions for revision.
