Film Analysis Techniques and Character Archetypes

Climax

The moment of greatest tension; turning point of the story.

Fade in / Fade out

Gradual appearance or disappearance of an image.

In media res

Starting a story in the middle of action.

Inside/out editing

Starts with a detail and pulls back to the full scene.

Action

External or internal movement/change.

Montage

A sequence of images that show passage of time or create mood.

Saturated color

Rich, vivid color; evokes emotion or realism.

Director's interpretive POV

The director adds emotion or meaning through visuals.

Visible sounds

On-screen source of the sound.

Irony of setting

Setting contrasts with the story's tone.

Exposition

Introductory information: characters, setting, background.

Wipe

Transition where a line moves across the screen replacing one image.

Linear structure

Story events in chronological order.

Form cut

Transition using similar shapes or forms between shots.

Flash forward

Scene jumps to future events.

Jump cut

Abrupt change in camera angle or action.

Tint

Colored filter over a shot (e.g., blue for night).

Subjective POV

We see exactly what the character sees.

Low-key lighting

High contrast; creates shadows and drama.

Dramatic irony

Audience knows more than the characters.

Denouement

Resolution; the wrapping up of the plot.

Dissolve

One image slowly fades into another.

Flashback

Scene from the past inserted into the current narrative.

Flash cut

Quick, sudden shot meant to startle or show memory.

Value

Importance a character gives to an object/idea.

Objective POV

Neutral camera view.

Desaturated color

Muted or faded color scheme.

Irony of situation

Outcome is opposite of what's expected.

Invisible sounds

No visible source (e.g., narration).

Irony of tone

Contrast between visuals and soundtrack.

Complication

Conflict begins and intensifies.

Flip frame

Scene changes like a flipping page.

Nonlinear structure

Events out of order.

Suspense

Uncertainty about what happens next.

Parallel cut

Cutting between simultaneous scenes.

Shade

Darker version of a color.

Indirect-subjective POV

Close to a character, but not from their exact view.

High-key lighting

Bright, even lighting.

Irony of character

Character acts against their type/role.

Plot Theme

Action-driven; uses archetypes; often follows classic structure.

Emotional Effect Theme

Evokes mood/feeling (sadness, tension, etc.).

Style Theme

Defined by editing, lighting, rhythm, atmosphere.

Character Theme

Focuses on a complex, unique main character.

Moral Implications

Teaches a moral lesson or advocates for a value.

Truth of Human Nature

Shows universal truths through character experiences.

Social Problems

Critiques societal issues (racism, poverty, etc.).

Struggle for Human Dignity

Character battles internal/external forces.

Complexity of Relationships

Explores love, family, or social dynamics.

Coming of Age

Character matures through experience or hardship.

The Innocent

Optimistic but naive.

The Orphan

Seeks belonging, feels left out.

The Hero

Strong and determined, seeks to prove self.

The Caregiver

Selfless and nurturing.

The Seducer

Charismatic but manipulative.

The Rebel

Wants change, challenges norms.

The Lover

Motivated by passion or romance.

The Creator

Visionary but perfectionist.

The Joker

Fun-loving, humorous.

The Mentor

Wise guide or teacher.

The Magician

Strategic and powerful.

The Ruler

Controls others; authoritative.

Functions of the Score

Establish mood and tone, enhance pacing, support emotion, connect scenes or themes, signal change in time/place, build suspense.

Ways to Characterize

Appearance, Dialogue, External Action, Internal Action, Reactions of Others, Foils, Names.

Charging Symbols with Meaning

Repetition, Character Value, Context, Visual/Aural Emphasis, Symbolic Patterns.