‘‘cinematography’’ is literally writing in movement (1)

‘‘Movies are a door to knowledge — knowledge of society, knowledge of history, knowledge of art.’’

~Martin Scorsese (3)

‘‘Cinematography’’ is literally writing in

movement (1).

Sounds (1)

• Sound can achieve strong effects yet remain unnoticeable.

• There are 4 main kinds of sound in movies (2):• Dialogue• Sound effects• Music• Voice-over

• Sound can shape the following:• our perceptions & interpretations. • our attention. • clarify image events or contradict them. • shape our expectations.

The Mise-En-Scene (1)

• This term refers to the setting, costumes, characters & lighting.

•Color: shape our sense of screen space (light on dark background; warm vs. cool colors) (1).

•Lighting to show passing of time as well as direct audience attention.

Shots(1)

• Cinematographic qualities involve three factors:1. Photographic aspects of the shot

• Black and white films• Bleached look (old, damaged)• Technicolor• Hand coloring• Filters (‘‘day-for-night’’: shoot during the

day but looks like night)

2. Framing of the shot• Full-frame (pan and scan)• Widescreen• Straight on angle• High angle (looking down)• Low angle (looking up)

Point of view

Shots(1)

3. Duration of the shot• Long shots or long takes: one

run of the camera that records a single shot.• Alfred Hitchcock’s Rope contained

only 8 shots, each running the full length of a reel of film.

When comparing and contrasting

• Be specific! Use the details you have observed to explain how the two scenes are the same and different.

• Answer all the questions asked on the handout.

• Use Claim, Evidence, and Warrant to explain your answer.

• Say the obvious and go beyond the obvious.

Examples (W)

This is way too vague. I could write this without watching the video. What are some descriptive words a writer could use to describe the feeling of the scene?

Difficult/Unpleasant Feelings

ANGRY DEPRESSED CONFUSED HELPLESSirritated lousy upset incapableenraged disappointed doubtful alonehostile discouraged uncertain paralyzedinsulting ashamed indecisive fatiguedsore powerless perplexed uselessannoyed diminished embarrassed inferiorupset guilty hesitant vulnerablehateful dissatisfied shy emptyunpleasant miserable stupefied forcedoffensive detestable disillusioned hesitantbitter repugnant unbelieving despairaggressive despicable skeptical frustratedresentful disgusting distrustful distressedinflamed abominable misgiving woefulprovoked terrible lost patheticincensed in despair unsure tragicinfuriated sulky uneasy in a stewcross bad pessimistic dominatedboiling a sense of loss tense fuming

Example (S)

This example uses the words “disgust” and “heartbroken” to describe Hamlet’s feelings-more than just sad or upset. Furthermore, the student explains why Hamlet is feeling this way.

What details do you notice?What expression(s) does the actor use?How does/do the actor(s) use his voice?What is the setting?How does the actor use props? What does this convey?

What details do you notice?What expression(s) does the actor use?How does/do the actor(s) use his voice?What is the setting?How does the actor use props? What does this convey?

Sources)

Bordwell, David and Kristin Thompson. Film Art: An Introduction.

Costanzo, William. Reading the Moviesthestoryofmovies.com