Introduction to cinema – SCENE ANALYSIS.
SCENE ANALYSIS (100 pts) 5 pages Watch a fictional narrative film from the list provided. Write an interpretive essay comparing two brief scenes through an analysis of their mise-en-scène, cinematography, sound, and editing. • Select scenes that are at most two-three minutes in length and identify the opening and closing shot of each scene and the transitions used from the previous and subsequent scenes. • Look for parallel scenes that produce or reflect different moods or emotions and study the way the film’s techniques help create or reinforce them. o Pay attention to character introductions, recurring motifs, and turning points: these provide opportunities to explore both contrasts and similarities between scenes. Examine the ways in which the following aspects of the film serve to convey mood and emotion, reflect character, and/or produce a response from the audience: • Mise-en-scène – discuss costumes, settings, props, lighting, and especially frame composition. • Cinematography – camera position and movement, depth of field, color. • Editing – the patterns and tempos of shots, their juxtaposition to one another, and the way editing helps shape space and time. Use the terminology. • Sound – all the accompanying sound elements (not just music) which can offer reinforcement or counterpoint to the mood of the scene. Consider vocal attributes, pitch, verisimilitude, etc. • Use the film terminology! Use it to accurately and precisely describe the film’s form while discussing how these filmmaking choices influence how we perceive the film’s content. Do not include a plot summary. Remember, you are writing about the film’s form and how its effects are achieved, not just about what happens in the film’s plot. Focus your attention especially on what the film communicates visually, identifying the techniques used while analyzing their impact. The paper should consist entirely of your own original observations, ideas, and analysis. No research is required. You are strongly discouraged from researching your film on the internet and/or through DVD commentaries. Review the syllabus for the school policies regarding plagiarism. Your paper will be at least 3 full pages, and no more than 5. Use a double spaced 12 point Times Roman font and one inch margins. Do not justify the right margins. Indent paragraphs – do not add an extra line between them. Typing errors will be considered spelling errors. Include a cover page with the title of the film in the center of the page with your name, the course number and section, and date in the lower right corner. A dropbox will be available on D2L. Upload a copy of your essay in a Word-compatible format (or pdf). Bring a hard copy to class on the due date. GRADING RUBRIC A = Excellent The work exceeds the requirements of the assignment and demonstrates serious and thorough analytic thought. Terminology is accurately and appropriately used throughout. The work contains zero mistakes, is organized very well, and qualifies as excellent. B = Good The work is written well, critical analysis is present, and the organization is clear. Film vocabulary is used where appropriate. Minor mistakes may be present but can be corrected with more proofreading. Some ideas may be underdeveloped or left incomplete. While not excellent, this work is quite good. C = Satisfactory The work meets the minimum requirements of the assignment, but there are some problem areas. The work is too conversational in tone, doesn’t support claims very well, and/or lacks a strong structure. Film terms are used infrequently and may include several inaccuracies. Typos, spelling errors and grammar problems may make it difficult to understand some of the points made. D = Unsatisfactory There are significant problems present and/or the work is well below the minimum length. The student does not engage with the material in a meaningful way, the essay lacks critical analysis, and the writing is not at the college level. F = Failure The student either fails to submit work or the work is far below unsatisfactory level. Your essay must be uploaded to the Assignment folder dropbox by 9:00 a.m. on October 15, and a printed copy brought to class that day. Late papers will be penalized 10 points. Late papers (both digital and hard copy) must be provided by the next class period (October 17) or they will receive no credit.