Film Terms

Allusion

A brief reference to a person, event, or work of literature, often to evoke a deeper meaning or context.

camera angle

A technique in filmmaking that refers to the position and angle from which a shot is taken, influencing how viewers perceive the subject.

costume

Clothing and accessories worn by actors to enhance character portrayal and set the mood in a production.

dialogue

The spoken exchanges between characters in a film, play, or book that reveal their thoughts, emotions, and relationships.

epiphany

A moment of sudden realization or insight experienced by a character in a story, often leading to a transformation or change in understanding.

flashback

A narrative device that interrupts the chronological flow of a story to revisit past events, often providing background or context to the current plot.

flashfoward

A narrative device that presents events that will occur in the future, often used to build suspense or foreshadow developments in the story.

foil

A character who contrasts with another character, often the protagonist, highlighting particular qualities of the other character.

juxtaposition

The act of placing two or more elements close together or side by side to compare and contrast them, often to emphasize differences or create deeper meaning.

mise en scene

The arrangement of scenery and stage properties in a play or film, which includes the visual composition and overall design to enhance storytelling.

montage

A technique in film editing that combines a series of short shots or images to condense time, convey information quickly, or evoke emotions.

non-diegetic score

Music or sound that is not part of the narrative world of the film, used to enhance emotional responses or set the tone.

opening credits

The sequence at the beginning of a film or television show that displays the title, main cast, and production team, often accompanied by music.

stock character

A type of character that represents a specific stereotype and serves a predictable role in a story, often lacking depth or development.

subtext

The underlying meaning or theme in a narrative that is not explicitly stated, often revealed through dialogue, character actions, and context.