APPROACHES TO TEACHING FILM LANGUAGE

Introduction to film language=an introduction to the course Here students will learn the basic tools of analysis that they will need in the exams, in coursework and learn the language they should get used to using whenever they talk about films. Through the analysis of clips and discussing each other’s film viewing, aspects of industry can also be introduced. Non-Hollywood films could be used to analyse micro aspects, a gentle introduction to different kinds of films. Watching film clips means you are not really working – doesn’t it!?

MACRO and MICRO elements of film language MACRO - MACRO - GENRE NARRATIVE (REPRESENTATION) MICRO – MICRO – CINEMATOGRAPHY SOUND EDITING MISE EN SCENE SPECIAL EFFECTS

Cinematography Refers to the visual aspects of a film’s language Camera shots and movement can give us clear indications of emotion, motive and give audiences clues as to things that may be about to happen. It is important that your students can identify shots and consider how the choices made impact on the narrative.

Camera shots Close-up (and extreme close-up Mid-shot Long shot Wide (long) shot (often establishing shot) Low angle shot High angle shot Birds eye view

Camera movement Pan (side to side) Tilt (up and down) Whip pan Crane shot Tracking shot It’s important students practise identifying these shots and link to their developing knowledge of genre and narrative.

Editing Students often find editing a difficult concept to discuss but basically analysing editing is about: How it changes the pace of the narrative What the editing technique used tells us about where the narrative is. Lots of techniques to use but most common – STRAIGHT CUT FADE DISSOLVE Others – wipe, jump cut

MISE EN SCENE

THE CORE

LIGHTING & COLOUR Is used to create mood and atmosphere Positioning of lights creates different effects High key lighting Low key lighting

Sound The world of the film as we see it on the cinema screen is known as the DIEGETIC world. When we watch a film the sound we hear can be DIEGETIC OR NON-DIEGETIC. DIEGETIC SOUND is sound that is part of the film world. NON-DIEGETIC sound is sound that is not recognised as part of the film world – e.g. voice over, background music PARALLEL SOUND – sound which compliments the visual image. CONTRAPUNTAL SOUND – sound which does not fit with the image but helps to create new meanings.

Sound & Genre Elements of sound reveal key aspects of genre to an audience Sound is important in informing us about the time in which a film is set or the kind of action we can expect Certain types of music have become synonymous with particular genres

Sound & Narrative Voice overs allow us to see things from a particular character’s point of view They are often used to introduce and ‘round up’ the narrative SOUND BRIDGES aid continuity as sound from one sequence carries on into the next

Special effects Know what different kinds of special effects exist and what they are: CGI Stunts & explosions Animatronics & models

SUMMARY Understanding and applying film language is key to your student’s success on this course Give them plenty of time to apply their knowledge through analysing clips as a class or in groups but also consider- individual presentations if you have confident students. Putting their knowledge into practise also re- enforces learning and gives you an opportunity to start them on some coursework ( i.e. make some film clips of your own!)