film studies

Medium shot (MS)

Frames the subject from the waist up. Good for dialogue and showing body language.

Establishing shot

Usually a wide or long shot that sets the scene/location

Close up

Focuses tightly on a subject, often the face, to show emotion.

Extreme close up

Zooms in on a detail, like eyes, hands, or an object, emphasizing importance or tension.

Story board

A sequence of drawings representing planned shots for a film, often including directions and dialogue.

Purpose of story boarding

Helps visualize the film before shooting, plan camera angles, and organize the story flow.

Script

Written dialogue, scene directions, and narrative.

Treatment

A short summary or description of a film

Realism

Emphasizes lifelike, naturalistic depiction of events. Looks like everyday life. Often uses simple camera work, natural lighting, and minimal editing.

Formalism

Highly stylized, emphasizing artistic expression. Uses unusual angles, exaggerated lighting, and dramatic editing.

Classism in film

Key Feature: Continuity editing to create smooth, seamless transitions.

Other Features: Balanced between realism and formalism; storytelling is straightforward and character-focused.

Notable Misconceptions: Stylized colors/camera angles = formalism; documentary techniques = realism; priority on artistic expression = formalism.

Mise-en-Scene

Everything visible on screen, arranged to convey meaning.

important aspects of Mise-en-Scene

Important Aspects:

1. Setting/Props: Where the action takes place and objects and characters use.

2. Costume/Makeup: Shows character personality, time period, or social status.

3. Lighting: Creates mood, highlights importance, directs attention.

4. Actor Movement/Performance: Body language, gestures, and positioning in the

frame.

5. Composition/Framing: How elements are arranged visually; balance and focus.

Low angle shot

Makes the subject appear more powerful.

High angle shot

Makes the subject appear less powerful or vulnerable.

neutral angle

Eye-level shot; subject appears neutral.