Film Lecture: Film Form and Elements of Narrative-09/09/13

Transcription

1 Film Lecture: Film Form and Elements of Narrative-09/09/13 Content vs. Form What do you think is the difference between content and form? Content= what the work (or, in this case, film) is about; refers to the subject matter -----> idea-based. Form= the means by which that subject is expressed and experienced (e.g., style, technique, media, etc.) ----> design-based In other words: Think of content as referring to what the subject of a film is and form as being how that subject is being presented Form enables filmmakers to shape our particular experience and interpretation of that content. Content is to the story, as form is to the camera. Key Elements of Film Form What elements might impact (and shape) how we perceive what we see onscreen? Narrative (Week 3) Mise-en-scene (Week 4) Cinematography (Week 5) Editing (Week 6) Sound (Week 7) Cinematic Language This refers to the tools and techniques that filmmakers use in order to create and convey meaning to spectators. In other words, form in the world of movies is known as cinematic language.

2 Principles of Film Form 1.) Dependency on Light As a source of illumination (projectors) As an element that is carefully manipulated by filmmakers and technicians in order to create certain moods, convey certain meanings, and emphasize certain things about characters (motion-picture light). Where does lighting come into all of this? Interplay of motion-picture light and shadow Example: Chiaroscuro lighting This term refers to the high contrast of light and dark elements; this contrast is used for more dramatic effect. It is heavily used within the genre of film noir. Example: Chiaroscuro lighting in Citizen Kane 2.) Illusion of Movement Movement is what distinguishes film from other art forms. 24 frames, or individual still photographs, per second (fluid film) ---> anything faster tends to look strange to us! We tend to think that the objects in front of us onscreen move but this is just an illusion: 1.) Persistence of Vision- Our brains being able to retain an image for a bit longer than it takes our eyes to record it---> gives the illusion of succession. 2.) Phi Phenomenon- Seeing images onscreen and thinking they are moving when it is actually just a result of frames being switched ---> gives the illusion of movement. Critical Flicker Fusion- dependent on speed as a crucial element, this refers to the illusion of there being continuous light despite there actually being darkness between frames. Aids to phi phenomenon. 3.) Apparent motion- the tendency for our eyes to connect disparate images into a single smooth motion. 3.) Manipulation of Space and Time Movies are a spacial and temporal art form. Continuous space and time is created in film thanks to editing.

3 Parallel editing allows multiple actions to look like they are happening at the same time but in different locations. Example: page 52 of Looking at Movies with Chaplin s: The Gold Rush(1925) Example of parallel editing: The Godfather(1972) Parallel Editing What does parallel editing allow us to achieve in cinema? In other words, what is its purpose? Helps to create narrative patterns Patterns and progressions ----> an instinctive search In general ---> provide an element of structure How we naturally interpret parallel editing ---> simultaneous actions The familiar vs. the unfamiliar Repeating narrative patterns= emphasis of content What is Narrative? Several meanings: Can be a story Can be a type of movie Can be a way of structuring fictional (or fictionalized) stories in narrative films. Types of Movies There are major types: Narrative- movies that are either pure fiction or showcase fictionalized versions of actual events. Documentary- movies that deal with more nonfiction an aim to expose reality Experimental- Movies that experiment with film as a medium Further Clarification Narrative structure- The structuring of a story, by filmmakers, where events are selected and arranged in a cause-and-effect sequence (that occurs over time). Narrative Movie- A fiction film, as opposed to the other 2 major types ( documentary or experimental) Narration- The act of telling the story.

4 The Narrator- Who or what tells the story. The Primary Narrator Who fulfills this role in every movie? How does the narrator (or camera, in this case) tell the story? Through each shot s visual elements. Important Key Terms Shot- One uninterrupted run of the camera Example: Trailer for Cuaron s Gravity(2013) Sequence- A series of shots that are juxtaposed together Aids in continuity and compresses time Example- Nichols The Graduate(1967) Scene- Complete units of plot action (or a series of sequences) Example- Scene from Citizen Kane Comparing these terms... Shot ---> A sentence Sequence ---> A paragraph made up of many sentences. Scene ---> A chapter made up of many paragraphs Enhancing the Narrative Remaining elements of film form help to contribute to the narrative: Mise-en-scene Cinemtography Editing Sound Possible Narrator Types First-person- Usually a voice-over However, in some cases will make direct address to the audience Example: Fincher s Fight Club (1999) Third-person- A voice that stems from outside of the narrative Example: Anderson s The Royal Tenenbaums(2001) Omniscient (or Unrestricted)- Viewers know more than the characters onscreen Example: Anderson s The Royal Tenenbaums(2001)

5 Restricted- Viewer s knowledge is dependent on a single character s knowledge of information. Example: Hitchcock s Rear Window (1954)...for the most part. Character Types Narrative films are character-centered and usually involve a character pursuing some type of goal. Round Characters- as the story progresses, these types of characters usually change in some way; have well-developed personalities. Flat Characters- As the story progresses, these types of characters do not really change. In General Protagonist- Main character who is in pursuit of a goal Antagonist- Person, people, creature, or even force that might stand in the way of the protagonist and their goal. Narrative Structure Most stories have a beginning, middle, and end. (Three-act structure.) Stated differently Equilibrium- disruption- resolution normal world inciting incident rising action (events leading up to climax) crisis (conflict, goal seems unattainable) climax falling action (things start to resolve) resolution (all is well with the world again) Classical Hollywood Narrative Character-Centered Character who is in pursuit of their goal Plot-driven Usually liner in structure with events unfolding in a cause-effect manner over a period of time and space. Story vs. Plot Plot- Refers to the logical progression or ordering of events that happen in a story. Story- What the film as a whole is about including what we (as viewers) bring to the table.

6 NOTE: A film s plot conveys its story. Plot duration- The amount of time that is used to tell the story to viewers. One week- Thompson s search to uncover the meaning behind Rosebud allows us as an audience to know the story. Story duration- The actual amount of time that has passed in the story itself 70+ years- Kane s life from his childhood to his death Screen duration a film s running time Screening Michel Gondry s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind(2004) Screenwriter: Charlie Kaufman, writer of other highly repaid films such as Being John Malcovich (1999) and Adaptation(2002). Academy Award for best Original Screenplay (2004)