Film Study Unit

Objectives:  TSWBAT recognize the elements of films (i.e., technical aspects, screenplay format) and develop an appreciation for viewing motion pictures as literary elements.

Introduction:  Demonstrate the parallel between watching a film and reading a book.  Also demonstrate the importance of understanding how films are assembled using the “tools of the trade” just like the literary elements that go into writing a novel or short story.

Lecture notes:

I.Technical Information

A.Shots

1.extreme long shot

2.long shot

3.full shot

4.medium

5.close-up

6.extreme close-up

B.Angles

1.bird’s-eye

2.high angle

3.eye-level

4.low angle

5.oblique angle

C.Lighting

1.high key (comedy)

2.high contrast (melodrama/tragedy)

3.low key (mystery/thriller)

4.light source

a.above

b.beside (half lit)

c.below

d.back lit

II.Mise en scene:  The arrangement of all the visual elements of a theatrical production (p. 37)

A.the staging of the action

B.physical setting & décor

C.manner in which these are framed

D.manner in which they are photographed

E.(see analysis on pp. 72-3)

III.Chronology of the Plot Structure

A.Typical Feature-Length presentation: 90-120 minutes

B.1^st 10-15 minutes

1.Introduction of main characters

2.Introduction of primary conflicts/situation

C.Plot Point I

D.Plot Point II

IV.The Screenplay format

V.Analyzing and Interpreting Themes in Film

Films studied

1.Independence Day (formulaic expression of the chronological presentation of the plot elements)

2.Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (screenplay stylistic format)

3.Mr. Holland’s Opus (analyzing and interpreting thematic expressions in film)

Approximate Timetable: 10 days