Film Analysis
The examination of 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.
Continuity Editing
A style of editing that seeks to maintain a continuous and clear narrative action by following a set of rules.
Foley
The reproduction of everyday sound effects that are added to film in post-production to enhance audio quality.
Mise-en-Scène
The arrangement of everything that appears in the frame, including settings, props, costumes, and actors.
Method Acting
A technique of acting in which the actor fully immerses themselves into the character’s experiences and emotions.
Practical Effects
Special effects produced physically, without computer-generated imagery (CGI), such as pyrotechnics and prosthetics.
High-Key Lighting
Bright, even lighting with few shadows, often used in comedies and musicals.
Freudian Analysis
A film theory approach that explores the psychological dimensions of characters, including concepts like the Id, Ego, and Superego.
Auteur Theory
The concept that views the director as the primary creative force behind a film, akin to an author in literature.
Cinematography
The art of photographing and lighting a film, which contributes to the overall visual storytelling.
Editing
The process of assembling various clips of a film into a coherent and flowing narrative.
Cross-Cutting
Cutting between two or more scenes happening simultaneously but in different locations.
Sound Design
The process of creating and integrating audio elements, including dialogue, music, and sound effects.
Hybrid Genre
A film that blends elements of two or more genres.
Academy Ratio
Traditional film aspect ratio of 1.37:1, commonly used in early cinema.
Color Grading
The process of adjusting and enhancing the color in post-production to achieve a particular look.
Script Supervisor
A crew member responsible for ensuring continuity in dialogue, action, and props across scenes.
Hybrid Genre
A blend of elements from two or more genres in film.
Subplot
A secondary plot that runs parallel to the main plot and often intersects with it.
Blocking
The precise staging of actors in a scene, which involves the arrangement and movement of actors on set.
Visual Effects (VFX)
Effects created or enhanced through computer technology, such as CGI.
Quantitative Analysis
An evaluation method that uses numerical measurements to assess film effectiveness and audience reception.
Genre Analysis
The study of the conventions and expectations of a film’s genre.
Social Issues in Film
Themes relating to societal norms and critiques represented within films, such as race, gender, and class.
Location Manager
The individual responsible for scouting and securing filming locations.
Economic Impact
The influence of film production on local economies, including job creation and tourism.
Collaborative Tools
Software and platforms like Slack and Google Drive used for communication and file sharing among film production teams.
Special Effects
Techniques used to create illusions that evoke excitement or emotional responses in the audience.
Insider/Outsider Perspective
A film analysis framework examining the context and viewpoints of individuals involved (insiders) versus those observing from outside.
Distribution Channels
The various means, such as theaters and streaming platforms, through which films reach their audience.
Production Designer
The person responsible for the overall visual look of a film, including set design, props, and costumes.
Critical Theory
A theoretical framework used to analyze the deeper meanings and implications of films.
Three-Point Lighting
A standard method used in visual media that involves three lights: key light, fill light, and back light.
Cultural Context
The cultural factors influencing the creation and reception of a film, including societal norms and expectations.
Character Chemistry
The mutual rapport and relationship dynamics between characters that affect performance and believability.
Film Noir
A cinematic genre characterized by its dark themes, moral ambiguity, and visual style.
Post-Production
The phase in which a film is edited and completed after filming has wrapped.
Voice-over Narration
A production technique where a voice that is not part of the film's narrative provides commentary or insight to the audience.
Symbolism
The use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts in a film, enhancing the narrative and thematic depth.
Character Arc
The transformation or inner journey of a character throughout the course of a film, often involving growth or change.
Exposition
The introduction of background information within a film’s narrative to help the audience understand the plot and characters.
Screenplay
The written script of a film, outlining the dialogue, actions, and sequences that guide production.
Cinematic Language
The visual and audio elements used in film to convey meaning and tell a story, including camera angles, lighting, and sound.
Narrative Structure
The framework that underpins the story of a film, usually encompassing elements like exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution.
Character Motivation
The reasons or desires that drive a character's actions and decisions within a film.
Theme
The underlying message or main idea that a film conveys, often reflecting societal issues or universal truths.
Voice Actor
An actor who provides the voice for animated characters or for dubbing in films.
Pitching
The process of presenting a film idea or script to potential producers or investors to gain support and funding.
Film Festival
An event where filmmakers showcase their films to the public, industry professionals, and critics, often awarding prizes.
Grading
The process of adjusting a film's visuals, primarily color and light, to enhance mood and style.
Audience Reception
The response of viewers to a film, which can include their emotional reactions and critiques.
Casting Director
The individual responsible for selecting actors
Narrative Arc
The structure of a story that includes the setup, conflict, climax, and resolution.
Theme Exploration
The analysis of underlying themes in a film, examining how they are developed and represented throughout the narrative.
Editing Techniques
Various methods used during editing to enhance storytelling, including cuts, transitions, and pacing.
Audience Demographics
Characterization of the audience based on age, gender, income, and other factors to target film marketing.
Character Development
The process of creating a believable and dynamic character through their actions, thoughts, and interactions.
Lighting Techniques
Different methods of lighting in film, such as low-key and high-key lighting, which affect mood and visibility.
Sound Mixing
The process of combining different audio tracks to create a harmonious soundscape for the film.
Film Critique
A detailed analysis and evaluation of a film's artistic, technical, and thematic components.
Audience Engagement
The ways in which a film captures and maintains the attention and interest of its viewers.
Genre Blending
Creating films that incorporate elements from multiple genres to appeal to a wider audience.