Overview
4 movie clip reflective short-style essays.
1) Submit a 1-2 page reflection on how directors and cinematographers shape acting in film using cinematography or production design. Use Robert Bresson's Au Hasard Balthazar (1966) OR Takashi Miike's 13 Assassins (2010). These questions should help frame your response:
How do cinematographers help acting choices -- how do they light or choose angles to frame those performances?
How does mise-en-scène frame acting choices Be sure to use specific details you've learned in Movies and Meaning. You must cite at least TWO scenes for full credit. If you don't cite Prince to support your arguments, you will not get full credit.
2) Watch Orson Welles' Citizen Kane (1941) or Yorgos Lanthimos' Dogtooth (2009) Read the accompanying essays about these films. Then you will submit a two-page reflection paper (APA style) explaining how editing and sound design function in those films. Be sure to use specific details and relate to your textbook and/or external sources. If you don't cite Movies and Meaning, I will deduct points. Answer the following questions for which you'll need those two scenes?:
1. If the film uses dissolves, fades, or cuts, how do they contribute? Choose one scene. 2. If your film uses sound bridges, ambient sound, how do they contribute? Choose one scene.
3) Watch Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon (1950), Stanley Donen's Singin' in the Rain (1952), or Bong Joon-ho's The Host (2006). Select two scenes/sequences. Assess how the filmmakers use genre and visual design. These questions should help:
1. What genre as outlined by Prince does your chosen film fall into, and how does it meet the genre requirements? It's okay if your film meets more than one genre. Be creative. 2. Are there ways in which your film does NOT meet its genre?
Prove your points by citing your film AND Prince. Be sure to name the personnel (director, cinematographer, visual designer, etc.) when relevant
4) Your last reflection will require you to pick a movie of your choice – an old or new favorite – and answer the question: Why does the film succeed artistically? Analyze your choice addressing two elements we've studied this semester (cinematography, editing, acting, sound/visual design, narrative, genre).
Your reflection must follow APA style and be no more than TWO pages long. Be sure to use specific details and relate to your textbook and/or external sources. If you don't cite your book, I will deduct points.
In addition, I will deduct points for grammar, spelling and tone violations. Treat the reflection as if it were a short paper, not a discussion point in which informality is encouraged.