Introduction to Film Analysis: Citizen Kane, Camera Techniques, and Formal Features

What does formal analysis focus on in film studies?

It examines how components like images, sounds, shots, and editing work together to create meaning.

What is depth of field in cinematography?

The distance between the nearest and furthest in-focus areas in a shot.

What is a high angle shot?

A camera position that looks down on subjects, often conveying a sense of superiority.

What is a low angle shot?

A camera position that looks up at subjects, often conveying power or dominance.

What is a tilt in camera movement?

A movement where the camera base is fixed while the camera itself moves up or down.

What are short and long takes in film?

Short takes are quick shots that can create urgency, while long takes allow for more sustained engagement with a scene.

What should students consider while watching Citizen Kane?

How formal choices shape interpretations of the film.

What is the purpose of the 'Shot Duration' analysis?

To explore how the length of shots affects the emotional and interpretive impact of a scene.

What is the significance of the Federal Theater Project in relation to Orson Welles?

It highlights Welles' early work and contributions to theater and media.

What is the role of camera movements in film analysis?

To identify how different angles and movements influence the viewer's interpretation.