bela balazs “the close up” (from the theory of film 1945)

What is the basic formal unit of film according to the lecture?

The basic formal unit of film is the sectional picture or shot.

How does a mobile camera affect a film's perspective?

A mobile camera constantly changes angle, distance, and perspective.

What is the role of viewers in the psychology of montage?

Viewers must perform mental synthesis by recognizing continuity, simultaneity, and shared space.

What must each shot contain to maintain unity in a film?

Each shot must contain an element that links to the previous and next shots.

How does sound contribute to the continuity of a film?

Sound is indivisible and fills space uniformly, helping to identify space and maintain continuity.

What did Balazs believe about early sound films, known as 'talkies'?

Balazs believed that early sound films lost artistic possibilities of silent sound design and resembled 'photographed theatre'.

What do close-ups teach viewers according to Balazs?

Close-ups teach viewers to see the polyphony of life, subtle details, and contrapuntal elements.

What does Balazs mean by close-ups being a microscope for emotion?

Close-ups can reveal deep emotional expressions and make mundane objects meaningful.

How does Balazs describe the emotional impact of close-ups?

When done well, close-ups radiate tenderness, intimacy, and emotional sensitivity.

What lesson does Balazs provide about the use of close-ups in film?

Close-ups should not be 'used up' too early to maintain their emotional impact.