Reading Film (IB)

Film Analysis

Examining various elements of a film to understand how they contribute to the overall narrative, themes, and emotional impact.

Diegesis

The narrative world of the film, including events, characters, objects, settings, and sounds that exist within the story world.

Non-Diegetic Elements

Elements that exist outside the film’s story world, such as background music or voice-over narration.

Subplot

A secondary plot that runs parallel to the main plot and often intersects with it.

Aspect Ratio

The ratio of the width to the height of the film frame.

Depth of Field

The distance between the nearest and farthest objects in a scene that appear acceptably sharp. Shallow depth of field keeps only one part of the image in focus, while deep depth of field keeps most of the image in focus.

Focus Pull

Changing the focus during a shot to direct the audience's attention from one subject to another.

Continuity Editing

A style of editing that seeks to maintain a continuous and clear narrative action by following a set of rules.

Jump Cut

A cut that creates a lack of continuity by leaving out parts of the action.

Cross-Cutting

Cutting between two or more scenes happening simultaneously but in different locations.

Parallel Editing

Similar to cross-cutting but used to show simultaneous events that eventually intersect or relate.

Foley

The reproduction of everyday sound effects added to film in post-production to enhance audio quality.

Sound Bridge

A sound that continues from one scene into the beginning of the next, providing a smooth transition.

Hybrid Genre

A film that blends elements of two or more genres, such as a romantic comedy.

Subgenre

A specific, more narrowly defined category within a larger genre.

Method Acting

A technique where the actor fully immerses themselves into the character’s experiences and emotions.

Nonverbal communication

The use of body language, facial expressions, and gestures to convey a character’s thoughts and emotions.

Practical Effects

Special effects produced physically, without computer-generated imagery (CGI), such as pyrotechnics, prosthetics, and animatronics.

Visual Effects (VFX)

Effects created or enhanced through computer technology, such as CGI.

Blocking

The precise staging of actors in a scene.

Set Dressing

Objects and elements used to decorate the set to create a specific environment and mood.

Three-Point Lighting

A standard method used in visual media that involves three lights: key light, fill light, and back light.

High-Key Lighting

Bright, even lighting with few shadows, often used in comedies and musicals.

Low-key Lighting

High contrast lighting with deep shadows, often used in dramas, horror films, and film noir.

Setting

The location where the action takes place. 

Props

Objects used within a scene. 

Costumes and Makeup

Clothing and appearance of characters. 

Lighting

How light and shadow are used. 

Structuralism

Analyzing films by examining underlying structures like narrative codes.

Post-Structuralism

Challenges structuralism, emphasizing the fluidity of meaning and the instability of signs.

Semiotics

The study of signs and symbols in film and how meaning is constructed and understood.

Logistics

Concerns about accessibility, transportation, and accommodation for film production.

Drama

Characteristics: Serious tone, character-driven narratives, emotional depth.

Comedy

Characteristics: Humor, light-hearted scenarios, happy endings.

Horror

Characteristics: Suspense, fear, supernatural elements, jump scares.

Auteur Theory

Concept: Views the director as the primary creative force behind a film, akin to an author in literature.

Realism

Characteristics: Depicts everyday life, natural settings, relatable characters.

Formalism

Characteristics: Stylized visuals, exaggerated elements, emphasis on technique.

Classicism

Characteristics: Balanced approach, clear storytelling, structured narrative.

German Expressionism

Characteristics: Distorted sets, high contrast lighting, symbolic use of shadows.

French New Wave

Characteristics: Innovative narrative techniques, jump cuts, on-location shooting.

Historical Context

Influence: Historical events shape the themes, settings, and narratives of films, reflecting the concerns and experiences of the time.

Cultural Context

Representation: Films depict and critique cultural norms, addressing social issues and promoting understanding or change.

Political Context

Themes and Propaganda: Films can explore political ideologies, influence public opinion, or serve as propaganda.

Economic Context

1. Budget Considerations: Funding sources, Cost management, and Return on investment

2. Market Analysis: Target audience. Competition, and Distribution channels

3. Economic Impact: Employment, Ancillary markets, and Economic trends

Geographical Context

1. Location Scouting: Filming locations, Permits and regulations, and Logistics

2. Cultural Relevance: Authenticity, Local talent, and Audience reception

3. Environmental Considerations: Sustainability, Weather and climate, and Natural hazards

Institutional Context

1. Regulatory Environment: Film laws, Tax incentives, and International regulations.

2. Industry Bodies: Film commissions, Unions and guilds, and Industry standards

3. Educational Institutions: Film schools, Workshops and seminars, and Research and development

Freudian Analysis

Id, Ego, and Superego: Films often depict characters’ inner conflicts among their instinctual desires (Id), rational thoughts (Ego), and moral conscience (Superego).

Lacanian Analysis

The Symbolic, Imaginary, and Real: Examines how films depict reality (Real), imagination (Imaginary), and societal structures (Symbolic).

Postcolonial Film Theory

• Colonial Representation: Analyzes how films depict colonial power dynamics and the colonization process.

• Postcolonial Identity: Explores themes of identity, displacement, and hybridity in postcolonial contexts.

Scriptwriting

Crafting the narrative, dialogue, and action of the film.

Storyboarding

Creating visual representations of scenes to plan shots and sequences.

Directing

Guiding the film’s artistic and dramatic aspects.

Acting

Performing the roles as scripted to bring characters to life.

Filming

Capturing the visual elements using cameras.

Editing

Assembling the filmed footage into a coherent sequence.

Sound Design

Creating and integrating audio elements, including dialogue, music, and sound effects.

Visual Effects

Adding digital effects to enhance or create imagery.