Literary Analysis of Film
Monday-Friday
Period 1
Purpose: This course will allow students to learn how to perceive film and how it affects them as individuals. It will help them develop criteria for aesthetic awareness so that they may evaluate film. The relationship between film and literature is complex. Most films have character and plot development, theme, setting, a point of view, and other familiar literary devices. This course will reinforce students’ abilities to understand these devices in a visual medium. Furthermore, the students will learn about the complex technology necessary to create popular films. They will become more aware of the business side of the film, and the discipline and hard work of film professionals. This course will help students learn how a film communicates its message. Students will learn how to perceive film better, how to understand film language and aesthetic relationships, and how to better appreciate and enjoy film. Lastly, this course will consist of a general historical overview of film and its evolution. Attendance is critical and make-ups must be done on your own time (we can’t rewind the movie for you!).
Core Text: Film Art: an Introduction 10th edition, David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson
Course Proficiencies
30% Writing
25% Tests
20% Projects
15% Class work/Quizzes
10% Homework
Core Text: Film Art: an Introduction 10th edition, David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson
Course Proficiencies
30% Writing
25% Tests
20% Projects
15% Class work/Quizzes
10% Homework
Unit Links
Unit 1-Film as Art: Creativity, Technology, and Business
Editing
Alfred Hitchcock
North by Northwest
Psycho
Mis-en-Scene
Gladiator
Current Documents
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USEFUL FILM LINKS
Internet Movie Database (IMDb) Provides all of the information about nearly every movie, television series, documentaries, etc. Extremely useful and important in acquiring information about films. Absolutely recommended.
All Movies Film and video reviews, credits, cross-referenced by actor, director, genre
Cinema Sites Comprehensive listing of links to hundreds of cinema sites
American Film Insitute Industry news, films events and festivals, educational seminars and Top 100 lists
Filmsite.org Great site for historical analysis, detailed film synopses, Oscar and great film information
Roger Ebert Roger Ebert’s great page of reviews, analyses, and film history that is a part of the Chicago Sun-Times main site
AMC (American Movie Channel) Movie Reviews, lists and general information about films as part of the station's web-site
Rotten Tomatoes Great film web-site with reviews, links to great reviews, stink-o-meter, etc.
Internet Movie Database (IMDb) Provides all of the information about nearly every movie, television series, documentaries, etc. Extremely useful and important in acquiring information about films. Absolutely recommended.
All Movies Film and video reviews, credits, cross-referenced by actor, director, genre
Cinema Sites Comprehensive listing of links to hundreds of cinema sites
American Film Insitute Industry news, films events and festivals, educational seminars and Top 100 lists
Filmsite.org Great site for historical analysis, detailed film synopses, Oscar and great film information
Roger Ebert Roger Ebert’s great page of reviews, analyses, and film history that is a part of the Chicago Sun-Times main site
AMC (American Movie Channel) Movie Reviews, lists and general information about films as part of the station's web-site
Rotten Tomatoes Great film web-site with reviews, links to great reviews, stink-o-meter, etc.
The Film Review
The Film Review is a basic component of the Film class wherein students explore movies of their own choosing and write a review of the film. Throughout the year the film reviews will provide students the opportunity to practice specific writing skills as well as to explore different styles of writing.
Look up cast/credits for a film: www.imdb.com
Film Review Due Dates Marking Period Three: 2/5, 2/19, 3/4, 3/18
Look up cast/credits for a film: www.imdb.com
Film Review Due Dates Marking Period Three: 2/5, 2/19, 3/4, 3/18
film_review_weebly.docx | |
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writing_good_paragraphs.pptx | |
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summer_reading_prompts.docx | |
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The Language of Film
A Primer for Film
The film industry has been an incredible part of the American business, entertainment and cultural landscape for over 100 years. Our first unit focuses on the basics of the film industry and the major players in the formation of a motion picture. What is a director? A producer? What is the basic unit of a film? These and other questions are answered in this introductory unit. Most importantly students will begin the process of becoming an "active" participant in the films they view. Observe the image to understand how and why the director and his/her team chose to present the film in a certain manner or style. Lastly, students will understand how motion pictures are captured testaments of a generation's heritage.
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Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Writer(s): Lawrence Kasdan, George Lucas, Philip Kaufman
CAST
Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones)
Karen Allen (Marion Ravenwood)
Paul Freeman (Dr. Rene Belloq)
John Rhys-Davies (Sallah)
Synopsis: World class archeologist Indiana Jones journeys to several sites around the world to uncover one of the world's greatest artifacts: the ark of the covenant. Along with former love Marion Ravenwood and trusted friend Sallah, Indy must find the ark before his arch-rival Belloq and his hoard of Nazis. Set in the 1930s, Raiders was created as homage to the classic movie serials of the era while providing nearly non-stop action and thrills in becoming a modern classic.
IMDb listing
Purpose: SWBAT view a film considering its overall visual and audial qualities
Journal Questions: Journal Entry #1: Pay close attention to the introduction of Indiana Jones during the first several minutes of the film. How is Indy (Harrison Ford) portrayed during this scene? Please describe how his character is displayed through visual displays. What do we know about Indy before we even hear a word from his mouth? 9/17 (0:00-12:45)
Create a chart that lists as many details that you “see.” We will then discuss writing good paragraphs before incorporating this list into your own paragraph.
Journal Entry #2: During the bar scenes in Tibet great dynamics in mood, atmosphere and action are created visually and through sound. Try to describe the imagery and sound throughout the scene and what effect it creates. 9/18 (12:45-37:00)
Journal Entry #3: A sense of drama and suspense is created during the scenes in the desert as Indy attempts to find and salvage the ark. How does the way shots are put together (editing) help create drama and suspense during the scene? Notice images that are contrasted when there is an edit or “cut” from one image to another. 9/21-9/22 (37:00-1 hour 20 minutes)
Journal Entry #4: Now that you have viewed the entire movie describe to what genre the film belongs. Try to describe at least two facets that define Raiders as a specific genre. Finally write why you think this film is considered one of the great films of all time. 9/23 (1 hour 20 minutes to end)
Raiders of the Lost Ark reviews
Roger Ebert
New York Times
Rotten Tomatoes
Director: Steven Spielberg
Writer(s): Lawrence Kasdan, George Lucas, Philip Kaufman
CAST
Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones)
Karen Allen (Marion Ravenwood)
Paul Freeman (Dr. Rene Belloq)
John Rhys-Davies (Sallah)
Synopsis: World class archeologist Indiana Jones journeys to several sites around the world to uncover one of the world's greatest artifacts: the ark of the covenant. Along with former love Marion Ravenwood and trusted friend Sallah, Indy must find the ark before his arch-rival Belloq and his hoard of Nazis. Set in the 1930s, Raiders was created as homage to the classic movie serials of the era while providing nearly non-stop action and thrills in becoming a modern classic.
IMDb listing
Purpose: SWBAT view a film considering its overall visual and audial qualities
Journal Questions: Journal Entry #1: Pay close attention to the introduction of Indiana Jones during the first several minutes of the film. How is Indy (Harrison Ford) portrayed during this scene? Please describe how his character is displayed through visual displays. What do we know about Indy before we even hear a word from his mouth? 9/17 (0:00-12:45)
Create a chart that lists as many details that you “see.” We will then discuss writing good paragraphs before incorporating this list into your own paragraph.
Journal Entry #2: During the bar scenes in Tibet great dynamics in mood, atmosphere and action are created visually and through sound. Try to describe the imagery and sound throughout the scene and what effect it creates. 9/18 (12:45-37:00)
Journal Entry #3: A sense of drama and suspense is created during the scenes in the desert as Indy attempts to find and salvage the ark. How does the way shots are put together (editing) help create drama and suspense during the scene? Notice images that are contrasted when there is an edit or “cut” from one image to another. 9/21-9/22 (37:00-1 hour 20 minutes)
Journal Entry #4: Now that you have viewed the entire movie describe to what genre the film belongs. Try to describe at least two facets that define Raiders as a specific genre. Finally write why you think this film is considered one of the great films of all time. 9/23 (1 hour 20 minutes to end)
Raiders of the Lost Ark reviews
Roger Ebert
New York Times
Rotten Tomatoes
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The Definition of "Classic"
The first assignment of the Film Analysis class was a cooperative assignment in defining a classic film. Having now completed a detailed study of the content and structure of film, students will reassess the definition of classic and apply it to the films Casablanca and Citizen Kane. What makes these films "classic"? Finally, which of the two is deemed to be better and why?
The first assignment of the Film Analysis class was a cooperative assignment in defining a classic film. Having now completed a detailed study of the content and structure of film, students will reassess the definition of classic and apply it to the films Casablanca and Citizen Kane. What makes these films "classic"? Finally, which of the two is deemed to be better and why?
AFI Top 100 Classics Project
American Film Iinstitute
Top 10 American Films
1. Citizen Kane (1941)
2. The Godfather (1972)
3. Casablanca (1942)
4. Raging Bull (1980)
5. Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
6. Gone with the Wind (1939)
7. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
8. Schindler’s List (1993)
9. Vertigo (1958)
10. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
American Film Iinstitute
Top 10 American Films
1. Citizen Kane (1941)
2. The Godfather (1972)
3. Casablanca (1942)
4. Raging Bull (1980)
5. Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
6. Gone with the Wind (1939)
7. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
8. Schindler’s List (1993)
9. Vertigo (1958)
10. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
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Citizen Kane (1941)
Director: Orson Welles
Writer(s): Herman J. Mankiewicz, Orson Welles
Cast
Orson Welles (Charles Foster Kane)
Joseph Cotton (Jedediah Leland)
Dorothy Comingore (Susan Alexander Kane)
Everett Sloane (Mr. Bernstein)
Synopsis: Commencing with a group of shots that dissolve into one another and display the loneliness and disrepair on the grounds of a great mansion, Citizen Kane presents an initial scene that presents the film's protagonist uttering the famous last word, "Rosebud." From that point Kane's enigmatic life is sifted through by the shadowy reporter Thompson. Through diaries and firsthand interviews, the audience is made privy to the personal feelings of each interviewee, but how much closer are we to finding the real Charles Foster Kane?
Class Focus: Generally considered the greatest American film of all time, Citizen Kane is a triumph of structure as an integral aspect of the content or story. Every minute detail of camera, mis-en-scene, editing and sound enhances and deepens the meaning of the movie. Its non-chronological story structure also presents a challenge for first time viewers. The film class will thoroughly examine this film and eventually compare it to Casablanca in choosing which film the student prefers.
Reflective Writing: What do you think is one of the major ideas or themes of Citizen Kane? Back up your ideas with at least two scenes and thoroughly explain how each fits this idea or theme.
Director: Orson Welles
Writer(s): Herman J. Mankiewicz, Orson Welles
Cast
Orson Welles (Charles Foster Kane)
Joseph Cotton (Jedediah Leland)
Dorothy Comingore (Susan Alexander Kane)
Everett Sloane (Mr. Bernstein)
Synopsis: Commencing with a group of shots that dissolve into one another and display the loneliness and disrepair on the grounds of a great mansion, Citizen Kane presents an initial scene that presents the film's protagonist uttering the famous last word, "Rosebud." From that point Kane's enigmatic life is sifted through by the shadowy reporter Thompson. Through diaries and firsthand interviews, the audience is made privy to the personal feelings of each interviewee, but how much closer are we to finding the real Charles Foster Kane?
Class Focus: Generally considered the greatest American film of all time, Citizen Kane is a triumph of structure as an integral aspect of the content or story. Every minute detail of camera, mis-en-scene, editing and sound enhances and deepens the meaning of the movie. Its non-chronological story structure also presents a challenge for first time viewers. The film class will thoroughly examine this film and eventually compare it to Casablanca in choosing which film the student prefers.
Reflective Writing: What do you think is one of the major ideas or themes of Citizen Kane? Back up your ideas with at least two scenes and thoroughly explain how each fits this idea or theme.
citizenkanechart.doc | |
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Casablanca (1940)
Director: Michael Curtiz
Writer(s): Julius J. Epstein, Philip J. Epstein, Howard Koch (screenplay); Murray Burnett, Joan Alison (play)
Cast
Humphrey Bogart (Rick Blaine)
Ingrid Bergman (Ilsa Lund)
Paul Henreid (Victor Laszlo)
Claude Rains (Captain Louis Renault)
Conrad Veitd (Major Heinrich Strasser)
Synopsis: In the grim dark days of World War II Casablanca has become a haven for European refugees hoping to escape to the United States. However, travel visas are extremely rare and obtained only through extreme graft or bribery. Rick's Americain Cafe is the ultimate entertainment mecca in Casablanca, sold out each night for booze, entertainment and illicit gambling. Rick Blaine, cynical, aloof and a loner, is the owner of the cafe. His world changes when local criminal Ugarte entrusts Rick with two extremely valuable letters of transit. The Nazis want the letters, the French police want the letters, and upon his arrival in Casablanca, Victor Laszlo wants them. Although Rick seems impressed with Laszlo and his work, it is Laszlo's life that complicates the situation: Victor's wife Ilsa Lund. Amazingly to all those at Rick's, Blaince seems to know Ilsa. It is this relationship that creates the immortal fireworks in this classic film.
Class Focus: Casablanca is the epitome of the Classical Hollywood narrative. Students will chart the progress of the film's protagonist and his struggles in achieving his ultimate goal.
Director: Michael Curtiz
Writer(s): Julius J. Epstein, Philip J. Epstein, Howard Koch (screenplay); Murray Burnett, Joan Alison (play)
Cast
Humphrey Bogart (Rick Blaine)
Ingrid Bergman (Ilsa Lund)
Paul Henreid (Victor Laszlo)
Claude Rains (Captain Louis Renault)
Conrad Veitd (Major Heinrich Strasser)
Synopsis: In the grim dark days of World War II Casablanca has become a haven for European refugees hoping to escape to the United States. However, travel visas are extremely rare and obtained only through extreme graft or bribery. Rick's Americain Cafe is the ultimate entertainment mecca in Casablanca, sold out each night for booze, entertainment and illicit gambling. Rick Blaine, cynical, aloof and a loner, is the owner of the cafe. His world changes when local criminal Ugarte entrusts Rick with two extremely valuable letters of transit. The Nazis want the letters, the French police want the letters, and upon his arrival in Casablanca, Victor Laszlo wants them. Although Rick seems impressed with Laszlo and his work, it is Laszlo's life that complicates the situation: Victor's wife Ilsa Lund. Amazingly to all those at Rick's, Blaince seems to know Ilsa. It is this relationship that creates the immortal fireworks in this classic film.
Class Focus: Casablanca is the epitome of the Classical Hollywood narrative. Students will chart the progress of the film's protagonist and his struggles in achieving his ultimate goal.
casablanca_kane_classic_chart.docx | |
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Cinematography
The Art of Camera Work
The camera is a versatile and incredible piece of technology that is used a many dynamic ways. From the first time a cinematographer moved a camera, changed a lens, or experimented with exposure, camera technology has evolved greatly in over 100 years of filmmaking. The camera captures wondrous tableaus and establishes vivid psychological connections with the audience. Just as important, the camera has captured more than a century of human narrative.
Points to Consider when Analyzing Camera
Points to Consider when Analyzing Camera
- Position
- Angle
- Lens type or filter
- Movement
Jaws (1975)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Writer(s): Peter Benchley, Carl Gottlieb (script); Peter Benchley (novel)
CAST
Roy Scheider (Chief Martin Brody)
Richard Dreyfuss (Matt Hooper)
Robert Shaw (Sam Quint)
Lorraine Gary (Ellen Brody)
IMDb listing
SYNOPSIS: There's a problem on beach heaven Amity Island. It happens to be a massive, human eating problem that clashes with the main economic function of the locals: make money on the summer tourist season. When Chief Brody wants to close the beaches after a shark attack, Mayor Vaughn refuses, only leading to more bloodshed. Brody, marine biologist Hooper and grizzled shark hunter Quint go on a voyage to destroy the massive shark. One of the first summer blockbusters, Jaws helped re-write the rules on the economic viability of movies. It also presents a great adventure story filled with suspense that launched the career of Steven Spielberg.
Purpose: SWBAT understand, analyze and evaluate the use of camera in the film Jaws
Journal Questions:
Jaws Reviews:
Roger Ebert review
James Berardinelli review
Vincent Canby review
Director: Steven Spielberg
Writer(s): Peter Benchley, Carl Gottlieb (script); Peter Benchley (novel)
CAST
Roy Scheider (Chief Martin Brody)
Richard Dreyfuss (Matt Hooper)
Robert Shaw (Sam Quint)
Lorraine Gary (Ellen Brody)
IMDb listing
SYNOPSIS: There's a problem on beach heaven Amity Island. It happens to be a massive, human eating problem that clashes with the main economic function of the locals: make money on the summer tourist season. When Chief Brody wants to close the beaches after a shark attack, Mayor Vaughn refuses, only leading to more bloodshed. Brody, marine biologist Hooper and grizzled shark hunter Quint go on a voyage to destroy the massive shark. One of the first summer blockbusters, Jaws helped re-write the rules on the economic viability of movies. It also presents a great adventure story filled with suspense that launched the career of Steven Spielberg.
Purpose: SWBAT understand, analyze and evaluate the use of camera in the film Jaws
Journal Questions:
- Day One: Try to describe how the shots are orchestrated in the opening sequence of Jaws. Explain the camera shots (position, angle, lens, movement) and what effect they have on the viewer and overall mood of the scene
- Day Two: How does the beach scene heighten the tension for the viewer? The viewer becomes part of Chief Brody’s world. Describe the sights and sounds of the scene and the camera shots used to communicate this.
- Day Three: In the scene where the shark is seen for the first time, what camera angle and movement does Spielberg use? What is your opinion of this?
- Day Four: Comment on Spielberg’s visual in one scene you’ve seen today. Include position, angle, lens and movement.
Jaws Reviews:
Roger Ebert review
James Berardinelli review
Vincent Canby review
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The Actor
The Final Piece of Mis-en-Scene
Meryl Streep (b. 1949)
The structure of a film is dominated by the camera, scene composition, editing and sound. One final critical element of the film's structure is the actor within the frame. Beyond portraying characters in the story, the actors utilize many techniques and are specifically directed as critical components within the picture's frame. From the early stage techniques of the Silent Film Era through the internally driven method acting style, acting has become a highly respected art. Many actors' personas have become larger than life. Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Lon Chaney, Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, John Wayne, Marlon Brando, Jack Nicholson and many others have become ingrained within the psyches not only of their individual eras, but as all-time legends.
Merryl Streep is one of the current era's legends. Through a large and diverse ouvre, Streep has developed a varied and incredible career of powerful performances. The Film Analysis class will view Streep portraying very different characters from over 30 years of work.
The structure of a film is dominated by the camera, scene composition, editing and sound. One final critical element of the film's structure is the actor within the frame. Beyond portraying characters in the story, the actors utilize many techniques and are specifically directed as critical components within the picture's frame. From the early stage techniques of the Silent Film Era through the internally driven method acting style, acting has become a highly respected art. Many actors' personas have become larger than life. Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Lon Chaney, Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, John Wayne, Marlon Brando, Jack Nicholson and many others have become ingrained within the psyches not only of their individual eras, but as all-time legends.
Merryl Streep is one of the current era's legends. Through a large and diverse ouvre, Streep has developed a varied and incredible career of powerful performances. The Film Analysis class will view Streep portraying very different characters from over 30 years of work.
The Wizardry of Meryl Streep
Sophie's Choice (1982) Sophie
Death Becomes Her (1992) Madline Ashton
The Devil Wears Prada (2006) Miranda Priestly
Doubt (2008) Sister Aloysius Beauvier
Julie and Julia (2009) Julia Child
Sophie's Choice (1982) Sophie
Death Becomes Her (1992) Madline Ashton
The Devil Wears Prada (2006) Miranda Priestly
Doubt (2008) Sister Aloysius Beauvier
Julie and Julia (2009) Julia Child
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
Cast
Jack Nicholson (RP McMurphy)
Louise Fletcher (Nurse Ratched)
Danny Devitoe (Martini)
William Duell (Sefelt)
Sydney Lassick (Cheswick)
Christopher Lloyd (Taber)
William Redfield (Harding)
Will Sampson (Chief)
Vinent Schiavelli (Fresderickson)
Brad Dourif (Billy Bibbit)
Synopsis: RP McMurphy thought it was a great idea to "fake" being crazy to get sent to the local mental hospital. After a series of encounters with the head of the floor Nurse Ratched, "Mac" finds himself immersed in a battle of wills over who will influence the other inmates in their group. Filled with great humor that began to cement Nicholson's career, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is an intense character study about the clash of personal ideals and society's expectations.
Class Focus: After the study of acting styles and the actor as part of scene composition, the Film Analysis class will focus on how this great ensemble cast creates a diverse and intense collection of characters. Of specific interest are Nicholson and Fletcher's performances, as each garnered an Academy Award for their work.
Cast
Jack Nicholson (RP McMurphy)
Louise Fletcher (Nurse Ratched)
Danny Devitoe (Martini)
William Duell (Sefelt)
Sydney Lassick (Cheswick)
Christopher Lloyd (Taber)
William Redfield (Harding)
Will Sampson (Chief)
Vinent Schiavelli (Fresderickson)
Brad Dourif (Billy Bibbit)
Synopsis: RP McMurphy thought it was a great idea to "fake" being crazy to get sent to the local mental hospital. After a series of encounters with the head of the floor Nurse Ratched, "Mac" finds himself immersed in a battle of wills over who will influence the other inmates in their group. Filled with great humor that began to cement Nicholson's career, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is an intense character study about the clash of personal ideals and society's expectations.
Class Focus: After the study of acting styles and the actor as part of scene composition, the Film Analysis class will focus on how this great ensemble cast creates a diverse and intense collection of characters. Of specific interest are Nicholson and Fletcher's performances, as each garnered an Academy Award for their work.
The Audio Code
Unlocking Sound in the Cinema
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Apocalypse Now! (1979)
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Script: John Milius, Francis Ford Coppola (Based on the short story "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad)
Cast
Martin Sheen (Capt. Willard)
Marlon Brando (Col. Kurtz)
Robert Duvall (Lt. Col. Kilgore)
Dennis Hopper (Journalist)
Harrison Ford (Col. Lucas)
"The Gunner Crew"
Frederic Forrest (’Chef’ Hicks)
Laurence Fishburne (Miller)
Sam Bottoms (Lance Johnson)
Albert Hall (Chief Phillips)
Synopsis: U.S. Army Captain Benjamin L. Willard (Martin Sheen) has returned to Saigon; a seasoned veteran, he is deeply troubled and apparently no longer fit for civilian life. A group of intelligence officers (G. D. Spradlin, Harrison Ford, and Jerry Ziesmer) approach him with a special mission: journey up the fictional Nung River into the remote Cambodian jungle to find Colonel Walter E. Kurtz (Marlon Brando), a former member of the United States Army Special Forces. It is 1969 and the Vietnam War is at its height. So too is the psychological impact of the military action on its participants.
Directions: Apocalypse Now! is an incredible example of the use of the sound hierarchy. Your job is to identify at least one aspect of each element of sound on the study guide chart while viewing the film. When the class is finished watching the film, each of you will be asked to write a short analysis of each aspect of sound and how it is used in the film to create mood, character, story, and/or tempo.
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Script: John Milius, Francis Ford Coppola (Based on the short story "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad)
Cast
Martin Sheen (Capt. Willard)
Marlon Brando (Col. Kurtz)
Robert Duvall (Lt. Col. Kilgore)
Dennis Hopper (Journalist)
Harrison Ford (Col. Lucas)
"The Gunner Crew"
Frederic Forrest (’Chef’ Hicks)
Laurence Fishburne (Miller)
Sam Bottoms (Lance Johnson)
Albert Hall (Chief Phillips)
Synopsis: U.S. Army Captain Benjamin L. Willard (Martin Sheen) has returned to Saigon; a seasoned veteran, he is deeply troubled and apparently no longer fit for civilian life. A group of intelligence officers (G. D. Spradlin, Harrison Ford, and Jerry Ziesmer) approach him with a special mission: journey up the fictional Nung River into the remote Cambodian jungle to find Colonel Walter E. Kurtz (Marlon Brando), a former member of the United States Army Special Forces. It is 1969 and the Vietnam War is at its height. So too is the psychological impact of the military action on its participants.
Directions: Apocalypse Now! is an incredible example of the use of the sound hierarchy. Your job is to identify at least one aspect of each element of sound on the study guide chart while viewing the film. When the class is finished watching the film, each of you will be asked to write a short analysis of each aspect of sound and how it is used in the film to create mood, character, story, and/or tempo.
apocalypsenowguide1.doc | |
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The Origins of Film and the Silent Film Era
Presentations offered to the class featuring the development of the motion picture as an art form and industry.
Eadweard Muybridge
Thomas Edison
Lumiere Brothers
The Great Train Robbery
Edwin S. Porter
Mack Sennett and the Keystone Kops
Kinetoscopes
Vocabulary of silent films
Adolph Zukor and Louis B. Mayer
DW Griffith
The Birth of a Nation
Charlie Chaplin
Lillian Gish
Lon Chaney
Buster Keaton
Rudolph Valentino
The Jazz Singer
Eadweard Muybridge
Thomas Edison
Lumiere Brothers
The Great Train Robbery
Edwin S. Porter
Mack Sennett and the Keystone Kops
Kinetoscopes
Vocabulary of silent films
Adolph Zukor and Louis B. Mayer
DW Griffith
The Birth of a Nation
Charlie Chaplin
Lillian Gish
Lon Chaney
Buster Keaton
Rudolph Valentino
The Jazz Singer
City Lights (1931)
Director: Charles Chaplin
Written by: Charles Chaplin
Cast
Charles Chaplin (The Tramp)
Virginia Cherrill (Blind Girl)
Harry Myers (Eccentric millionaire)
Synopsis: The legendary Charles "Charlie" Chaplin continues his classic run of silent films released during the early sound era. As one of the few silent film stars who successfully maintained stardom into the sound era, Chaplin's genius became even more evident and is exemplified in City Lights. In one of his last films containing "The Tramp" Chaplin satirizes life in the big city as his beloved character falls in love with a blind woman. The film focuses on the Tramp's quest not only to find this woman, but also the means to restore her sight via an expensive surgery. Filled with Chaplin's extraordinary physical acting, City Lights is one of those classics that successfully has become beloved as a timeless expression of humanity.
Class Focus: Although released during the infancy of the sound era, City Lights is the epitome of the silent film era, containing possibly its greatest performer. Viewing the film is the culmination of the class' study of the birth and development of motion pictures and the industry that created them. It also serves as an example of the use of early technology and film structure.
Director: Charles Chaplin
Written by: Charles Chaplin
Cast
Charles Chaplin (The Tramp)
Virginia Cherrill (Blind Girl)
Harry Myers (Eccentric millionaire)
Synopsis: The legendary Charles "Charlie" Chaplin continues his classic run of silent films released during the early sound era. As one of the few silent film stars who successfully maintained stardom into the sound era, Chaplin's genius became even more evident and is exemplified in City Lights. In one of his last films containing "The Tramp" Chaplin satirizes life in the big city as his beloved character falls in love with a blind woman. The film focuses on the Tramp's quest not only to find this woman, but also the means to restore her sight via an expensive surgery. Filled with Chaplin's extraordinary physical acting, City Lights is one of those classics that successfully has become beloved as a timeless expression of humanity.
Class Focus: Although released during the infancy of the sound era, City Lights is the epitome of the silent film era, containing possibly its greatest performer. Viewing the film is the culmination of the class' study of the birth and development of motion pictures and the industry that created them. It also serves as an example of the use of early technology and film structure.
screenplay_structure.pptx | |
File Size: | 311 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
Erin Brockovich (2000)
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Writer: Susannah Grant
Cast
Julia Roberts (Erin Brockovich)
Albert Finney (Ed Masry)
Aaron Eckhart (George)
Conchata Ferrel (Brenda)
Synopsis: A down and out single mother of three literally forces her way into working for the law offices of Ed Masry. Sharp, sassy, street smart and highly intuitive, Erin Brockovich stumbles upon a highly explosive situation that leads to a multi-million dollar lawsuit against a powerful corporate entity. Roberts won a highly-deserved Oscar for her career defining turn as the sharp-tongued Brockovich.
Class focus: Although the film is dominated by the development of titular character, the characters Ed Masry and to a lesser extent George each undergo changes throughout the film. The film analysis class will examine the events and actions that change the lives and characters throughout the film. Utilizing Michael Hauge's Six Stage Plot Structure, the conflict and character arcs will be studied in depth.
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Writer: Susannah Grant
Cast
Julia Roberts (Erin Brockovich)
Albert Finney (Ed Masry)
Aaron Eckhart (George)
Conchata Ferrel (Brenda)
Synopsis: A down and out single mother of three literally forces her way into working for the law offices of Ed Masry. Sharp, sassy, street smart and highly intuitive, Erin Brockovich stumbles upon a highly explosive situation that leads to a multi-million dollar lawsuit against a powerful corporate entity. Roberts won a highly-deserved Oscar for her career defining turn as the sharp-tongued Brockovich.
Class focus: Although the film is dominated by the development of titular character, the characters Ed Masry and to a lesser extent George each undergo changes throughout the film. The film analysis class will examine the events and actions that change the lives and characters throughout the film. Utilizing Michael Hauge's Six Stage Plot Structure, the conflict and character arcs will be studied in depth.
erin_brockovich_guide.docx | |
File Size: | 56 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Memento (2000)
Director: Christopher Nolan
Writer: Christopher Nolan, Jonathan Nolan (from the short story "Memento Mori")
Cast
Guy Pearce (Leonard Shelby)
Joe Pantoliano (John "Teddy" Gamel)
Carrie-Anne Moss (Natalie)
Synopsis: Leonard Shelby suffers from a rare cognitive condition that prevents him from creating new memories. Through the use of notes, "learned" behaviors and tattoos, Leonard attempts to find the killer of his wife. Assisted by others, Lenny's path is a fragmented and circular journey.
Class Focus: Unlike the traditional Hollywood narrative as portrayed in films like Erin Brockovich and Gladiator, Memento is a fragmented narrative that is difficult to piece together upon its initial viewing. Students will analyze how the structure of the film enhances the content.
Director: Christopher Nolan
Writer: Christopher Nolan, Jonathan Nolan (from the short story "Memento Mori")
Cast
Guy Pearce (Leonard Shelby)
Joe Pantoliano (John "Teddy" Gamel)
Carrie-Anne Moss (Natalie)
Synopsis: Leonard Shelby suffers from a rare cognitive condition that prevents him from creating new memories. Through the use of notes, "learned" behaviors and tattoos, Leonard attempts to find the killer of his wife. Assisted by others, Lenny's path is a fragmented and circular journey.
Class Focus: Unlike the traditional Hollywood narrative as portrayed in films like Erin Brockovich and Gladiator, Memento is a fragmented narrative that is difficult to piece together upon its initial viewing. Students will analyze how the structure of the film enhances the content.
Film Noir
Composition in Shadow
Genre or Cinematic Style?
Although many films were created since the dawn of cinema that fit the many traits of what the French coined film noir, it wasn't until the 1960s that filmmakers consciously emulated and paid homage to this genre. Or is it a choice of style? What is certain is that this genre/style incorporates many features including:
Although many films were created since the dawn of cinema that fit the many traits of what the French coined film noir, it wasn't until the 1960s that filmmakers consciously emulated and paid homage to this genre. Or is it a choice of style? What is certain is that this genre/style incorporates many features including:
- A protagonist who is world weary (usually a detective) and has many flaws. Typically this individual narrates the film.
- An antagonist who is usually a female or "femme fatale." The femme fatale is characterized by questionable or loose morals and uses the protagonist for her own ends.
- Film is shot with at times harsh low-key lighting that suggests the shadowy, amoral attitudes and situations prevalent in many noir films. Although predominantly in black and white, many "neo-noirs" are shot in faded or muted color.
- Although originally the playground for detective movies, film noir has branched into several other genres such as science fiction, as evidenced by the classic Bladerunner (1982).