Intro to Film Studies Midterm

Mise-en-scene

The items placed in the scene

Setting

Location or studio environment in film.

Costume and Makeup

Visible or invisible character attire and appearance.

Props

Objects with instrumental, cultural, or metaphorical roles.

Lighting

Illumination quality, direction, and source in film.

Quality of Lighting

Differentiates between hard and soft lighting.

Direction of Lighting

Includes frontal, sidelight, backlighting, and more.

Three-point Lighting

Key light, backlight, and fill light setup.

High-key Lighting

Bright lighting with minimal shadows.

Low-key Lighting

Dark lighting with strong contrasts and shadows.

Screen Space

Balance and symmetry within the film frame.

Color Design

Use of colors, can be realistic or artificial.

Depth Cues

Techniques indicating volume, planes, and perspective.

Shallow Space

Limited depth, often with flat composition.

Deep Space

Significant depth, creating a three-dimensional effect.

Realistic Mise-en-scene

Authentic representation, exemplified by Chocolat.

Theatrical Mise-en-scene

Stylized representation, exemplified by Singin' in the Rain.

Staging/Acting

Differences in performance for stage versus screen.

Instrumental Props

Objects that serve a functional purpose in scenes.

Cultural Props

Objects that reflect cultural significance or context.

Metaphorical Props

Objects symbolizing deeper meanings or themes.

Exercise in Film Analysis

Comparative analysis of stills and clips.

MGM

Film studio that produced 'Singin' in the Rain'.

1952

Year 'Singin' in the Rain' was released.

Additive dissolve

Transition effect blending two scenes together.

Pan

Camera movement sweeping across the scene.

Bi and polyamorous

Don's sexual orientation and relationship style.

Reverse montage

Editing technique showing sequences in reverse order.

Lavalier microphones

Small mics used for capturing dialogue discreetly.

Symbolising fantasy

Use of visual effects to represent dreams.

Green screen

Technique for adding backgrounds digitally.

Debbie Reynolds

The actress who played Kathy, whose singing was replaced by that of an uncredited actor,

Less than five cuts

Amount of shots in each musical scene in Singin’ in the Rain

Talkie

Film with synchronized sound, as opposed to silent.

Diegetic Sound

Sound originating from the film's world.

Nondiegetic Sound

Sound not originating from the film's world.

Internal Diegetic Sound

Sound heard by a character only.

External Diegetic Sound

Sound that characters can hear externally.

Onscreen Sound

Sound coming from a visible source.

Offscreen Sound

Sound from a source not visible on screen.

Sound Mixing

Combining various sound elements in postproduction.

Foley Process

Creating sound effects synchronized with film.

Mickey-Mousing

Synchronizing sound with visual action closely.

Sound Perspective

Perception of sound location and distance.

Synchronous Sound

Sound that matches the timing of visuals.

Asynchronous Sound

Sound that does not match the visuals' timing.

Sound Bridge

Transitioning sound from one scene to another.

Sound Montage

Combining various sounds to create meaning.

Sound Libraries

Collections of sound effects for film use.

Rhythm in Sound

Pattern of sounds that creates pacing.

Pre-Scene

Audio that begins before the scene

Voice Over (V.O.)

Narration that provides insight into characters' thoughts.

Wide Shot

A shot that captures a large view of the scene.

Dutch Angle

Camera tilt to create a sense of unease.

Over-The-Shoulder

Shot showing perspective from behind a character.

Close-Up

Shot focusing closely on a subject or object.

Freeze Frame

Still image taken from a film sequence.

Colour Grading

Adjusting colors in post-production for mood.

Common Trope

Recurring theme or motif in storytelling.

Rule of Thirds

Composition technique for balanced framing.

Foreshadowing

Hints at future events in the narrative.

Product Placement

Incorporation of branded products into scenes.

Sound Effects

Audio elements added to enhance the scene.

Med Shot

Medium shot showing a character from the waist up.

Los Angeles

Setting for part of the film's action.

Character Motivation

Reasons behind a character's actions or decisions.

Avery's Rifle

Weapon indicating Avery's aggressive intent.

Terry's Ring

Symbol of connection to other characters.

Shake

Camera movement to create tension or excitement.

Young Wilson

Character's past representation in the narrative.

Actors Acting

Layered performances within the film's context.

Psycho

1960 horror film directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

Establishing Shot

Initial shot setting the scene's context.

Over-The-Shoulder Shot

Camera angle from behind a character's shoulder.

Cross-Dissolve

Transition effect blending two scenes together.

DID

Dissociative Identity Disorder, affecting Norman's psyche.

Rule of Thirds

Composition technique dividing frame into thirds.

High Angle Shot

Camera positioned above the subject, creating vulnerability.

Close-Up

Shot focusing closely on a subject's face.

Pan

Horizontal camera movement across a scene.

Bad PI

Poorly performing private investigator character.

Freddie Highmore

Actor portraying Norman Bates in the series.

Norman Bates

Main character with a troubled psychological background.

Classic Trope

Common narrative element frequently used in films.

Vertigo effect

A camera technique that creates a distorted perspective of the foreground and background

POV shots

Point-of-view shots showing character's perspective.

Dramatic irony

Audience knows more than characters, creating tension.

Foreshadowing

Hints at future events in the storyline.

Crucifix

Symbol representing faith and sacrifice in film.

Fourth wall

Breaking the barrier between audience and characters.

Rule of thirds

Composition guideline for balanced visual framing.

Narration

Voiceover providing context, often seen as lazy.

Unhinged

Describes the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the film.

Steve Zissou

Protagonist played by Bill Murray.

Matthew Gray Gubler

Actor featured in the film.

Touchstone Pictures

Production company associated with Disney.

Theatrical Set

Visually appealing environment for the film.

Unrealistic Fight Scenes

Action sequences lacking realism.

Richard

Character played by John Hawkes in the film.

Cristine's Outfit

Symbolizes her integration into Richard's life.