Film Aesthetics Mid Term

What does mise-en-scène refer to in filmmaking?

Mise-en-scène refers to the arrangement of everything that appears in the framing of a shot, including settings, props, actors, costumes, and lighting.

True or False: Most aspects of mise-en-scène are accidental.

False. Very few aspects of filmmaking are left to chance.

What is kinesis in the context of mise-en-scène?

Kinesis refers to movement in the frame (figure movement) and movement of the frame (camera movement).

True or False: All design elements of mise-en-scène should be considered separately to determine its overall meaning.

False.

Who is responsible for finding and selecting props in a film?

The prop master, who also ensures that props are maintained and ready for shooting.

What type of light is characterized by softening features?

Soft light.

What type of light creates high contrast and crisp details?

Hard light.

What lighting style imitates the position of the sun?

Top lighting, which is a more naturalistic lighting choice.

What term describes the level of illumination on a subject compared to the depth of the corresponding shadow?

Lighting ratio.

What type of lighting produces a high ratio between shadow and illumination?

Low-key lighting.

What is compositional stress?

Compositional stress occurs when negative space is used to break the rule of thirds, creating intentional imbalance that can communicate various meanings.

What is the purpose of negative space in a composition?

To emphasize the subject's importance or isolation.

What technique manipulates visual scale by distorting size and position?

Forced perspective.

What compositional style is characterized by symmetry?

Compositional symmetry, often used by director Wes Anderson.

True or False: Movement, or kinesis, is a component of mise-en-scène.

True.

What is a storyboard in filmmaking?

A storyboard is a series of drawings that directors use to previsualize composition and action.

True or False: The image from Queen's Gambit (2020) follows the rule of thirds.

True.

True or False: Kinesis can refer both to camera movement and to the movement of figures within the frame.

True.

What was the typical projection speed of silent films?

16 frames per second (fps)

Is IMAX film stock larger than 70mm film stock?

True, IMAX is three times bigger than 70mm film.

Why do some filmmakers prefer analog film over digital?

For its grain, depth of color, and imperfections.

What are some reasons why major motion pictures are now shot digitally?

Digital editing is less expensive, widely available, and less artistically risky; digital is cheaper to shoot and distribute.

What does the film stock gauge refer to?

The width of the film stock.

How long does the preproduction process of filmmaking typically take?

At least a year.

Which phase of filmmaking does location scouting belong to?

Preproduction.

What actors' labor union was founded in 1933?

The Screen Actors Guild (SAG).

What were low-budget studios in the golden age of Hollywood called?

Poverty row.

What is a key characteristic of the studio system?

It controlled every step of the movie market, including production, distribution, and exhibition.

What is true of today's movie studios compared to the classical studio system?

Studios are often part of large corporate conglomerates and directors and actors are typically freelance.

Why did the U.S. government break up the Motion Picture Patents Company (MPPC) in 1915?

Because it was a monopoly that eliminated all filmmaking competition.

How is the studio system today best described?

An amalgam of a modern studio system and independent production companies.

What primarily drives the high cost of films in the twenty-first century?

Labor and materials.

What was one effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the film industry?

Increased production and release of streaming content.

What classification best describes Focus Features?

Contemporary Hollywood independent.

What are audience statistics such as age and income level called?

Demographics.

Which type of studio is responsible for distributing the movies of other studios?

Major studios.

narrator

The primary storyteller in a movie.

narration

The process of storytelling in film.

narrative

The structured sequence of events in a story.

antagonist

The force that disrupts the primary character from achieving the major goal of a film.

protagonist

The main character in a film who faces challenges.

catalyst

An event or character that triggers change in the story.

stretch relationship

When plot duration is longer than screen duration.

on spec, or speculation

The practice of writing scripts independently with the goal of eventually selling them.

contract agreement

A formal arrangement to produce a screenplay.

adaptation

The process of transforming a source material into a screenplay.

collaboration

Working together with others in the screenwriting process.

screenplay format

The precise layout including exact page margins, font style, and font size.

screen time per script page

Each script page represents 1 minute of screen time.

the normal world

The cinematic universe where the rules of the film are established.

stakes

The potential consequences or risks faced by characters in a film.

round character

A character that exhibits complexity and personal growth.

flat character

A character that does not undergo significant change or growth.

narration delivery

The method by which the narrator conveys the story.

plot points

significant events that turn the narrative in a new direction

omniscient narrators

They have unrestricted access to the narrative

nondiegetic elements

Titles, credits, and words superimposed on the screen are almost always nondiegetic elements.

flat characters

is unable or unwilling to transform

adaptations

Movies based on previously published texts

diegetic elements

Diegetic elements are anything that takes place in the world in which the story occurs.

implicit narrative elements

These are things that are hinted at—or implied—and they are part of the story.

explicit narrative events

Everything we are shown and told—everything that is explicit—is part of the story.

climax

the turning point of the narrative

resolution

the conclusion of the narrative

setup

the introduction of characters and setting

rising action

the series of events that build tension leading to the climax

story duration

the time span of the events in the narrative

screen duration

the actual time a film runs

plot duration

the time span of the events as presented in the narrative

direct address

when a narrator speaks directly to the audience

cinematic structure

the framework that organizes the narrative in film

fiction film

a film that tells a fictional story

Verisimilitude

Difficult to define, but audiences tend to recognize it when they see it or feel it in a film.

Realism

Filmmaking that values unobtrusive style.

Mediation

The process by which cameras transfer aspects of space to viewers.

Formalism

Filmmaking that values conspicuously expressive form over an unobtrusive style.

Parallel Editing

A technique used to join together two lines of action that suggests no breaking between the two events.

Pattern Breaking

A technique that suggests a disruption in the continuity of action.

Antirealism

A filmmaking approach that operates in opposition to realism.

MacGuffin

Something vital to the characters but insignificant to the overall narrative, used to manipulate viewer expectations.

Content

Elements of film that relate to the narrative and thematic aspects.

Form

Aspects of filmmaking that relate to the style and structure of the film.

Chekhov's Gun

A principle that suggests every element in a story must be relevant and necessary.

Cinematographer

A professional responsible for capturing shots using specific techniques such as lens selection.

Costume Designer

A professional who alters the mise-en-scene of a shot by changing a character's clothing.

Sound Editor

A professional who adds a score to a film's sound track.

Screenwriter

A professional who includes conversations crucial to plot development.

Biopic

A film that depicts the life of a famous journalist or historical figure.

Naturalistic Performances

Acting that aims to reflect real-life behavior and dialogue.

Unobtrusive Framing

A style of framing that does not call attention to itself.

Ordinary People

Narrative focus on everyday individuals in realistic storytelling.

Unembellished Sets

Set designs that reflect a realistic approach without excessive decoration.

Sabaah Folayan's Whose Streets?

A documentary that chronicles the aftermath of the Michael Brown shooting in Ferguson, Missouri, and seeks to inform the audience of news media misrepresentation of the events and inspire social justice activism.

Anime

A style of animation distinguished by country of origin, source material, and some distinctive production methods.

Documentary

A type of film that presents factual information about real events.

Narrative

A type of film that tells a story, often structured with a cause-and-effect format.

Experimental Film

A genre of film that explores unconventional storytelling and visual techniques.

Microcinema

A grassroots subculture that has grown out of the affordability of digital video and exemplifies the growth of experimental film.

Cause-and-effect structure

A narrative structure commonly found in most narrative films.

Stop-motion

A type of animation that involves photographing objects in incremental movements to create the illusion of motion.