https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dygw82ry-03AwyTVdmbnYMSjgCwHGhdSzh3TR1bzPh8/edit#
Realist Film
Blue Valentine
1.How would describe the characteristics of the camera camera work: composition, angle, movement?
The camera work is very simple, it does not consist of many complicated or intricate composition of shots.The scenes usually consists of one long shot or establishing shot that is held throughout the scenes and restrains from any close ups of the actors even when many emotions are being conveyed.The first ukulele scene is a perfect example, where there is an action occurring, but no cuts in the shots to further expose or detail the action, instead the shot remains at an establishing shot and does not change throughout the scene.
2. How would describe the difference in the edit?
Many scenes have rarely any cuts, instead the shots are based on movement, the camera follows the actors to avoid making any cuts. This occurs both in the first ukulele scene and the dancing scene. While the ukulele scene has no cuts, the dancing scene has two. Both relatively connecting to the realist style of long and lengthy shots.
3. How would describe the quality of the story being told/narrative?Though realism in film can be obviously be quite restrictive, this film does a great job in portraying the focus of each scene, which contributes to the excellent storyline. The first example scene is all one shot, the audience feels the chemistry between both characters, despite the fact that the audience can only observe several feet away from the action in the scene. The second example, yet still few cuts still is able to demonstrate that time has passed, yet the couple still finds themselves in love and dancing.
Classic Film
Terminator 3
1. How would describe the characteristics of the camera camera work: composition, angle, movement?
The camera works consist of a magnitude of shots, not only because of it’s classicism, but also because it is a action movie as well. Every significant object or person deserves it’s own shot. Shots in the example scene range from the expression on each character's face to the minute details of the alarm system going off. Many of these shots originate from classicism and are essential shots that causes the excitement in audience, this includes the shot when the terminator has grabbed John Connor by the foot, this little action is able to give so much awe to the audience because it signifies that the female terminator is still alive, a full shot that would have been used from realist would not have cut it and would have left the audience unsatisfied.
2. How would describe the difference in the edit?
I chose an action film to for classic film because this is where classic cutting can be easily seen.Several scenes have cuts to show a cause and effect relationship throughout the film, highlighting this scene from Terminator, the constant cuts between the female terminator coming towards characters after she has crashed the helicopter and reaction shots of the two characters create a sense of urgency. Around 1:00 minute in the scene you see the characters amazement and then it cuts to the next shot is of the massive fire from the second helicopter that has crashed. Constant cutting not only allows for fast paced action but it also helps the audience focus on the detail of the scene and actors.
3. How would describe the quality of the story being told/narrative?
This film has won many awards and is truly an American classic.Despite the amount of action going on the film, the narrative is still comprehensible and the story being told is thrilling. The audience is able to absorb all significant information in the film, while still being able to focus on the excessive amount of detail being portrayed.
Formalist Film
The Naked Gun
Warning:*skip to 0:40
1. How would describe the characteristics of the camera camera work: composition, angle, movement?
Though this film is not completely formalist, each film Naked Gun 1,2, and 3 all use formalist styles, in particular the use of montages.For example, this part in the film uses a montage to show the couple doing activities over time, the composition consist of several scenes that contain simple shots. The shots are filmed from one angle and particularly focus on one action or detail, such as getting cotton candy, participating in a rodeo and getting tattoos.
2. How would describe the difference in the edit?
Each cut in the edit transitions to another shot from a different scene, it does not follow continuity of one individual scene, but instead shows the audience several scenes and shot to push the idea that time has passed where couple are together and are enjoying themselves. These shots are held just long enough for the audience to understand what is occurring in the montage and be able to comprehend the joke that is also being portrayed in the shot. This would emphasize the use of the content curve, that each shot transitions before the audience becomes bored of the actions of the couple.
3. How would describe the quality of the story being told/narrative?
Though the montage does not follow the principles of continuity the audience is still able to make sense of the ideas and actions being portrayed.The narrative is meant to be humorous and the montage is able to do this because these hysterical actions are quick and simple and do not need a lot of time,so a montage fits perfectly for this section in the film. The purpose to create the emotion of humor, and directing emotions through film despite weather or not it relates to the story is also the purpose of formalism.
