COM 553 Lecture Notes

Final

Citizen Kane

Celebrated for its innovative storytelling and visual techniques, influencing generations of filmmakers.

Citizen Kane

Explores themes like ambition, isolation, and the interplay between power and media.

Orson Welles

His directorial debut with Citizen Kane revolutionized filmmaking.

Non-linear storytelling

Uses flashbacks and multiple perspectives, creating a mystery around Kane's life.

Multiple perspectives

Each character provides a different interpretation of Kane’s life, revealing subjective truth.

Rosebud

A mystery that the film centers around, serves as a metaphor for lost innocence.

Symbolism and themes in Citizen Kane

Critiques ambition, power, corruption, and the American Dream.

Why filmmakers admire Citizen Kane

Admired for its groundbreaking cinematic techniques, non-linear narrative, and complex character development.

Francis Ford Coppola (FCC)

Instrumental in directing Apocalypse Now (1979).

Found-footage films

Presents the story as if it were discovered film recordings, offering a sense of realism.

Authenticity in found-footage

Allows for a more immersive experience as it mimics real-life events.

Cost-Effective filmmaking

Filmmakers can use low-budget equipment and settings.

Creative Freedom in found-footage

Actors engage in improvisation, leading to genuine reactions.

Vittorio Storaro’s cinematography

Captures the surreal and chaotic nature of the Vietnam War.

Editing style in Apocalypse Now

Blends various scenes, contributing to the film's dreamlike narrative structure.

Character Development in Apocalypse Now

The transformation of Captain Willard’s character as the journey unfolds.

Music in Apocalypse Now

The integration of rock music adds to the film's emotional weight and era-specific context.

Colonel Kurtz's character

Represents the moral ambiguity of war.

Cultural References in Apocalypse Now

Consider the biblical and philosophical references and their implications on themes of madness and darkness.

The Ending of Apocalypse Now

Reflect on the film’s closing scenes and their impact as a statement on violence and morality.

Personal Journey interpretation of Apocalypse Now

Represents a personal journey for Willard as he confronts his own darkness.

War Commentary in Apocalypse Now

Serves as a critique of the American involvement in Vietnam.

Societal Reflection in Apocalypse Now

Reflects broader societal issues, including the loss of innocence.

Walter Murch's sound design

Revolutionizing sound design, creating a layered auditory experience.

Dolby Stereo surround sound

Viewers feel more immersed in the film's chaotic environment.

The Blair Witch Project's innovative marketing

Utilized the internet for marketing in a groundbreaking way.

Interactive website

Designed to mimic investigative news sites, emphasizing its fictional narrative as if it were real.

Word-of-mouth marketing

Leveraging the audience's curiosity and skepticism.

Purpose of Film Festivals

Promote new films and filmmakers, providing a platform for independent cinema.

Activities at Film Festivals

Screenings of films to audiences that may include industry professionals

Q&A sessions

Sessions with filmmakers and actors to discuss the work and answer questions.

Workshops, panels, and networking events

Events for industry professionals to share knowledge and possibly collaborate.

The gangster genre

Gaining traction in the early 1930s.

Common Themes in Early Gangster Films

Protagonists who rise from nothing to the top of the criminal world.

Themes in early Gangster Films

Reflected fears of the era: crime, Prohibition, and the American Dream gone wrong.

The gangster genre

Emerged as a response to societal changes and public fascination with crime.

Anti-Hero Protagonists

Central characters often operate outside the law.

Violence and Crime

Films typically depict graphic violence and criminal activities.

Ethnicity

Many films focus on characters from immigrant backgrounds.

Moral Ambivalence

Complicated moral landscapes where good and evil are blurred.

Love Interests

Romantic subplots often intertwined with the main crime narrative.

Gangster Hierarchy

Representation of organized crime structures.

Urban Settings

Typically set in cities, emphasizing gritty environments.

Femme Fatales

Strong female characters who challenge or assist gangsters.

Betrayal

Frequent occurrences of treachery among characters.

Law Enforcement Conflicts

Tension between gangsters and law enforcement.

Tragic Endings

Many stories conclude with downfall or death of characters.

The Censorship Backlash

The government and religious groups feared that gangster films were glorifying crime.

The Hays Code or Production Code rules

Crime must never be portrayed as successful.

Teen Protagonist

The main character is usually a teenager facing a transition or personal growth.

Loss of Innocence

The character experiences a significant event that marks the end of childhood.

Identity Exploration

The film centers on the character’s search for self.

Conflict with Authority

Tension often arises with parents, teachers, or societal expectations.

Peer Relationships

Friendships, first love, or social struggles play a major role.

Life Lessons

The protagonist learns meaningful lessons that lead to emotional maturity.

Emotional Realism

The tone is sincere and focused on internal growth rather than action.

Alternative Techniques

Turning off something like motion blur.

Animating on the 2s

Filmmakers broke the rule of 24 frames per second (FPS) using only 12 FPS.

Hand-Drawn

To maintain a comic style by incorporating imperfections into the images.

Older Printing Techniques

Used lines, hatching, and Ben-Day dots to mimic traditional comic book aesthetics.

Cartoon Word Bubbles

Animated word bubbles with exclamation marks to enhance the comic book feel.

Multiple Panels in Storytelling

Emphasizing the comic genre's storytelling traits.

Smashing Moving Images with Still Images

Utilizing vibrant 2D stills under a second in length with flat colored backgrounds.

Changing Focus & Color Techniques

Misaligned color layers to create a unique visual representation of Miles’ world.

Creating Unique Environments

Each of New York City's boroughs is drawn differently.

Distinct Spider Heroes

Each hero looks different to represent their unique Earths.

Film's Final Battle

Artistic inspiration from Abstract Cubism and Psychedelic Surrealism.

Freed from the Laws of Physics

Filmmakers could distort reality, slow down actions, and manipulate the animation style.

Capture the Look and Feel of Comic Books

The aim was to authentically replicate the aesthetic and visual language of comic books.

Embrace Imperfections

The filmmakers wanted to highlight the uniqueness and charm of comic art.

Reflecting Miles Morales' Journey

The distinct animation style mirrors Miles' experience and development as a character.

Creating a Unique Visual Identity

The blend of various artistic styles allows for a fresh take.

Enhance Emotional Engagement

The unconventional animation choices create a more immersive experience.

Highlighting Different Realities

Animating on the 2s give distinct visual cues that emphasize the differences between various realities.

Pre-Production

The initial phase that lays the groundwork for the entire project.

Principal Photography

The actual shooting of the film.

Post-Production

Involves editing and finalizing the film.

Distribution

Connects the film with audiences.

Director's Role

Oversee artistic aspects, direct actors, and manage technical aspects of filmmaking.

Diegetic and non-diegetic sounds

Important sounds integrated with visuals.

Key Aspects of Distribution

Distribution companies play a vital role in getting films seen worldwide.

Producer finds Story

Scout compelling stories, adapting books or scripts that resonate with audiences.

Hiring Key Crew

Assemble the core crew, including directors and cinematographers.

Raise Money

Secure funding from investors or Executive Producers.

Stay on Schedule

Develop and maintain a shooting schedule.

Balance Cost and Profit

Manage budgets and financial viability.

Manage Legal Aspects

Negotiate contracts, handle tax issues, and ensure compliance with laws.

Handle Egos

Navigate complex personalities of actors, directors, and executives.

Find Distribution Companies

Identify suitable distributors to bring the film to audiences.

Executive Producer

Oversees the creative direction of film production.

Production Designer

Responsible for the mise-en-scène and overall visual look of the film.

Cinematographer

Responsible for the camera work and framing of shots.

Editor

Assemble and arrange the filmed material into a coherent narrative.

Practical Effects

Responsible for creating physical visual effects on set.

Special Effects

Focus on creating visual effects using CGI in post-production.

Establishing Shots

Wide shots that set the scene and context.

Opening Exposition

Initial scenes that provide essential background information.

Reaction Shots

Shots that capture a character's emotional response.

Reference Shots

Visually relate to something mentioned or shown earlier.

Insert Shots (aka Cut Away)

Brief shots that interrupt the main action to focus on a specific detail.