How to Analyse a Film - Cinematic Techniques

Summary

Leila from Ignite offers a comprehensive guide on film analysis, focusing on five key techniques: shot angles, shot duration, mise-en-scène, symbolism and metonymy, and sound analysis. She explains the significance of each aspect, providing examples to illustrate their impact on tone and narrative. The video aims to build viewers' confidence in dissecting cinematic form, especially for high school students preparing for exams.

Takeaways

• 📚 Leila from Ignite provides an overview of film analysis techniques for educational purposes.
• 🔍 The first technique is analyzing shot angles, which includes close-up, mid-range, bird's eye, extreme close-up, and long shots.
• ⏱ The second technique is considering the duration of shots, which can affect the tone and pacing of a film scene.
• 🎨 The third technique involves breaking down mise-en-scène, which includes settings, lighting, costuming, and props within a scene.
• 🌐 Mise-en-scène also considers the symbolic and metonymic elements that contribute to the scene's meaning.
• 🔍🔊 The fourth technique is exploring the symbolic and metonymic values within a film, beyond just the visual elements.
• 🎵 The fifth technique is analyzing sound, distinguishing between diegetic sounds that come from within the scene and non-diegetic sounds that come from outside.
• 📉 The use of leitmotifs in sound, recurring throughout a film, can build suspense and signify certain themes or events.
• 📝 When analyzing film, start sentences with the shot angle used to provide a clear structure for the analysis.
• 🎬 The video provides examples from the film 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' to illustrate the discussed techniques.
• 🔗 Ignite offers an online resource database with materials created by state rank achievers and heads of English for further study.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Leila's video from Ignite?

The main topic of Leila's video is an overview of how to analyze film, covering five key techniques for film analysis.

What are the five go-to techniques Leila mentions for analyzing film?

The five techniques are: 1) Analyzing shot angles, 2) Considering the duration of shots, 3) Breaking down mise-en-scène, 4) Considering symbolism or metonymy within scenes, and 5) Analyzing diegetic and non-diegetic sounds.

What does Leila suggest as a starting point for film analysis sentences?

Leila suggests starting sentences with the shot angle being used as a way to introduce the analysis.

What is the significance of shot angles in film analysis according to the video?

Shot angles provide insight into the emotions or key aspects of a scene, and they can influence the audience's perception and understanding of the narrative.

Can you explain the difference between diegetic and non-diegetic sounds in film?

Diegetic sounds come from within the frame of the film, such as characters' voices or sounds made by objects in the scene. Non-diegetic sounds are external to the scene, like background music, which can contribute to or alter the tone of the film.

What is mise-en-scène and why is it important in film analysis?

Mise-en-scène is the composition of everything within the frame, including settings, lighting, costumes, and props. It's important because it helps convey the mood, context, and meaning of a scene.

How does the duration of a shot affect the tone of a film sequence?

The duration of a shot can heighten tension in action sequences with frequent cuts or calm the audience with longer, less frequent cuts, thus influencing the emotional impact of the scene.

What is an example of a symbolic element in a film scene according to the video?

An example of a symbolic element is a crack in the ice between two characters, which could symbolize the cracks in their relationship.

What is a leitmotif in film and how does it function?

A leitmotif is the repetition of certain sounds or themes within a film that hold symbolic value, often used to build suspense or signal the arrival of a character or event.

How does the video suggest using the online resource database from Ignite?

The video suggests checking out the online resource database at ignitehse.com.edu for additional materials on essay structures, writing craft, and comprehension skills.

What is the purpose of the video's final example using the film 'Jaws'?

The purpose of the 'Jaws' example is to illustrate how diegetic and non-diegetic sounds function in film, particularly how a leitmotif can build suspense and affect the audience's emotional response.

Outlines

00:00

🎥 Introduction to Film Analysis Techniques

Leila from Ignite introduces a video on film analysis, encouraging viewers to subscribe and engage with the content. She outlines five key techniques for analyzing films, which include examining shot angles, shot duration, mise-en-scène, symbolism and metonymy, and the use of diegetic and non-diegetic sounds. The goal is to help viewers better understand and navigate the complexities of cinematic form, which differs from traditional written texts in academic studies.

05:00

📐 Understanding Shot Angles and Duration

This paragraph delves into the importance of shot angles in film analysis, detailing five common types: close range, mid-range, bird's eye, extreme close-up, and long range. Each shot angle provides a different perspective and emotional insight. The duration of shots, or the length of time each image is displayed before a cut, is also discussed, with快节奏 films often using quick cuts to increase tension and slower-paced films using longer shots to evoke emotion or calmness. The paragraph emphasizes starting analysis with the shot angle as a way to frame the discussion on the film's visual construction.

10:02

🎨 Mise-en-Scène and Symbolism in Film

Mise-en-scène is explored as a comprehensive term for the arrangement of elements within a film frame, including setting, lighting, costume, and props. Lighting, particularly chiaroscuro, is highlighted as a way to emphasize focal points and create atmosphere. The paragraph uses 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' as an example to discuss how mise-en-scène contributes to the film's post-modern narrative and emotional impact. Symbolism and metonymy are introduced as tools for deeper analysis, allowing viewers to interpret the underlying meanings and relationships presented visually in a film.

🔊 The Role of Sound in Cinematic Experience

The final paragraph of the script discusses the critical role of sound in film, distinguishing between diegetic sounds, which originate within the film's world, and non-diegetic sounds, such as background music, that come from outside the film's narrative. The paragraph uses the film 'Jaws' to illustrate how a leitmotif, a recurring musical theme, can build suspense and provide a visceral connection to the film's events. The summary underscores the importance of considering sound as an integral part of the film's overall impact and meaning.

📚 Conclusion and Resource Invitation

In conclusion, the script invites viewers to engage with Ignite's online resource database, which offers a wealth of materials created by state rank achievers and English department heads. These resources cover a range of topics from essay writing to comprehension skills, aiming to support viewers in their academic pursuits. The script ends with a reminder to subscribe for more content and an expression of gratitude for watching the video.

Keywords

💡Shot Angle

Shot angle refers to the camera's position relative to the subject and is crucial in film analysis for conveying emotion and perspective. In the video, Leila discusses five types of shot angles: close range, mid-range, bird's eye, extreme close-up, and long shot, each serving different narrative purposes and affecting the viewer's perception of the scene.

💡Duration of Shot

The duration of a shot in film is the length of time a particular image is shown before a cut occurs. It is likened to the syntax in written text, influencing the pace and tension of a scene. The script mentions that longer shots can calm the audience or intensify emotions, while shorter, more frequent cuts can heighten action and tension, as exemplified in the 'Bourne Legacy' sequence.

💡Mise-en-Scène

Mise-en-scène is a French term for the composition of everything within the frame of a film, including setting, lighting, costumes, and props. It is a comprehensive aspect of cinematic construction that contributes to the overall mood and meaning of a scene. The video uses 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' to illustrate how mise-en-scène can reflect characters' relationships and challenge linear progression of meaning.

💡Symbolism

Symbolism in film involves using objects or elements to represent abstract ideas or concepts. The script provides an example where a crack in the ice symbolizes the problematic relationship between characters, suggesting underlying issues that may not be explicitly stated in dialogue.

💡Metonymy

Metonymy is a figure of speech where a word or object closely associated with another is used to represent it. In the context of film, it can be seen when a symbol or object stands in for a broader concept, such as a crucifix representing religion. The video script discusses metonymy as a way to convey meaning through association rather than direct symbolism.

💡Diegetic Sound

Diegetic sound is sound that originates from within the world of the film, such as dialogue or natural sounds present in the scene. It is part of the story's reality and can contribute to the narrative and emotional impact. The script distinguishes diegetic sound from non-diegetic sound, emphasizing the importance of focusing on visual elements over dialogue in film analysis.

💡Non-Diegetic Sound

Non-diegetic sound refers to audio elements that come from outside the film's world, such as background music or narration. It can manipulate the audience's emotions and perceptions independently of the on-screen action. The video uses the iconic 'Jaws' music as an example of a leitmotif, a recurring non-diegetic sound that builds suspense and signals impending danger.

💡Leitmotif

A leitmotif is a recurring theme or motif in music that is associated with a particular person, idea, or situation. In film, leitmotifs can be used to create associations and evoke specific emotions. The 'Jaws' music is highlighted in the script as a non-diegetic leitmotif that recurs to build tension and signal the presence of the shark.

💡Cinematic Form

Cinematic form encompasses the visual and auditory techniques used in film to convey narrative and emotion. The video's theme revolves around understanding and analyzing cinematic form, including shot angles, duration, mise-en-scène, symbolism, metonymy, and sound, to interpret and appreciate the complexity of film as a storytelling medium.

💡Post-Modern

Post-modernism is a cultural and artistic movement characterized by skepticism, relativism, and a general distrust of grand theories and ideologies. In the context of the video, 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' is described as a post-modern film that challenges linear storytelling and plays with the construction of meaning, exemplified by the unconventional setting of a bed on a beach.

Highlights

Leila from Ignite introduces five techniques for analyzing film.

Analyzing film is different from analyzing written text.

First technique: Consider the shot angle used in the film.

Second technique: Analyze the duration of each shot.

Third technique: Break down the mise-en-scène of a scene.

Fourth technique: Look for symbolism or metonymy within the scene.

Fifth technique: Consider the diegetic and non-diegetic sounds.

Shot angles include close range, mid-range, bird's eye, extreme close-up, and broad range.

Shot duration can heighten tension or calm the audience.

Mise-en-scène includes settings, lighting, costuming, and props.

Symbolism and metonymy can convey deeper meanings in a film.

Diegetic sounds come from within the frame, non-diegetic from outside.

Leitmotifs are recurring sounds with symbolic value.

Example from 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' illustrates mise-en-scène.

Example from 'Jaws' demonstrates the use of leitmotifs.

Encouragement to subscribe for more content on analyzing film.

Mention of online resource database for English studies.

Transcripts

hey guys it's leila from ignite

if you like my content in today's video

please do subscribe to our channel

click the bell for notifications and

comment if you'd like anything for us to

get back to you on

in today's video i'm going to do an

overview of how to

analyze film

and in order to do that i'm going to

take you through my five

go-to techniques whenever you're looking

at film and hopefully this will help you

navigate what i think

is quite a difficult form to unpack

because it's unlike any other written

text that you address

in your preliminary or hsc studies

so my five bits of advice in terms of

analyzing film is to consider the

following key aspects of filmic or

cinematic construction

the first one is to take a look at the

shot angle that is being used

the second is consider the duration of

that shot

then you might like to break down the

mison sen of the particular

scene that you're looking at consider

whether there is any symbolism or

metonymy within that scene

and then finally consider sounds the

diegetic

or the non-diegetic sounds that are

being used and if that sound has a

particular continued significance

throughout the film

you might consider whether that's a late

motif so i'm going to go through each of

these in more detail i'm going to give

some

examples to show you and illustrate how

they come into play within film

and hopefully you guys find it useful

and you're a bit more confident whenever

you're addressing cinematic form

incoming texts so shot angles there are

five that you should really know that

are

typically going to come into relevance

when you're doing your studies the first

one is a close range shot when we're

looking quite closely at a particular

object or person within the scene and it

gives us an intimate insight to their

emotions

or the key aspects of the particular

scene that's being conveyed

we may have a mid-range shot which is

establishing in this particular shot the

conversation between these two

characters

it's not as close as the image to the

left but it's mid-range we get you know

half of their body we get an image of

them communicating

and it's close enough to build a sense

of intimacy

but it's not as confronting as the image

here

then we have a bird's eye shot conveyed

from the top of an image looking down

has the effect of establishing what's

going on between certain characters

we can have an extreme close range shot

so you can see there's a slight

difference between this image and this

one here

which is even more intimate in terms of

conveying the very close range emotions

of a particular character

and getting an insight to their psyche

at certain moments in the film

or we may have a broader range shot so

you can see it's slightly different to

the mid-range shot over here

and it's establishing the setting and

the position of the characters within

that setting

to a much broader extent than what's

happening in this image over here

so shot angle when you're doing your

actual analysis it's quite nice to start

off your sentence or start off your

sentence with the shot angle that's

being used so you may say something such

as

within the close range shot the

composer's use of lighting

or within the broad range shot the miz

onsen features

it's a nice way to start off your

sentence and then move into your

analysis

okay so that's your shot angle

the next thing to consider is the

duration of the shot now duration refers

to how long we have a particular image

before there is a change or a

cut so every time there is a change in

camera angle

or a focus that is a shot change

and that implicates the duration of that

particular shot

so i've got here a little contrast in

particular sequences in

film this shot here is taken from bourne

legacy an action sequence

typically when you've got higher pace

films where there's something high

intensity

will have lots of cuts happening within

the particular sequence

it heightens the tension and it may

enhance action as it does in bourne

legacy

whenever we have less frequent cuts and

a longer duration to the shot

that may have the effect of calming down

the audience or vocalizing the emotions

of characters

so it's important to consider yes what

is the actual shot angle that's being

used

then consider the duration of the shot

and how that may implicate the tone of

the particular sequence

duration is almost like the syntax in a

particular written text right

how long are the clauses how many

clauses do we have within a sentence

duration is almost like a cinematic

equivalent of that particular technique

all right then we may consider misonsen

misonsen literally translates to the

composition of everything within the

frame

frame is the right technical term to use

for the border of an image

now miz onsen is kind of like an

umbrella term

and there are different aspects of

cinematic form which sit within

misonsen some of these aspects include

the settings so where are we actually

placed within the film and what's the

significance of that

consider the lighting typically what's

illuminated within the shot

is a focal point if you want to consider

what is salient within the frame what

the focal point is

lighting may also come into that and

another aspect of lighting a sub point

within it is also chiaroscuro

if you have a stark contrast between

lightness and darkness

within the frame that is referred to as

chiaroscuro so these are all within them

is onsen

you might consider the costumings of

what characters are wearing and how that

informs our understanding of the context

of the film

or the mood that has being conveyed of

that particular scene

and you might like to also consider

props that are being used within the

setting

so if you have a look at this particular

shot by the way these images are from a

really great film called eternal

sunshine of the spotless

mind and the director is spike jones

and in this particular shot here the

film is very very post-modern and it

plays around with the construction of

meaning

and it really challenges a sense of

linear progression from the audience

perspective

and this very post-modern shot we can

see a bed is being

inserted onto the beach and the effect

of that is it plays around with the very

non-literal meanings that are conveyed

it's almost like a drain

a dream interpretation of this secrets

but nonetheless key aspects of ms onsen

are the purity the lightness of the

beach how being within the natural

environment informs and reflects the

relationship between the characters

the bed is typically an intimate setting

and yet it's juxtaposed against the

openness

of the natural environment all of these

points that i'm mentioning are part of

the miz onsen

by wave example okay so mison zen is a

useful

aspect of form to consider whenever

you're looking at film

all right then once you've kind of

broken down you know start with the shot

all right consider the duration of the

shots how does that inform tone consider

them is onsen

you may then like to go a bit deeper and

start to think about any symbolic values

we can construe from the film

or any metanimic values so by symbolism

we mean what could the

lighting symbolise within a particular

scene is there an

object which holds symbolic value or is

it potentially

metanimic for an idea metonymy is when a

word

closely or an object closely associated

with another word

is used to substitute that other word

for example if you look at a a crucifix

or a cross that's typically a meta name

for religion more broadly

so metonymy is slightly different to

symbolism in that way it's more literal

we could argue than symbolism but within

these particular shots we've got

the bird's eye view we've got the

characters in eye contact and then

you've got this salient crack in the ice

over here

now the film does trace a problematic

relationship between these two

characters so one could argue within the

context of the film the crack here

foregrounds

or symbolizes the cracks in their

relationship

in terms of miz onsen we can we can

consider the composition of the shot

one could argue that their placement

just right of the crack

perhaps perhaps foregrounds their

ability to navigate the relationship

and scoot beyond the cracks in that

relationship to make this relationship

survive

anyway that's a bit of an example of how

you can construe symbolic meanings or

mechanimic meanings within the text

so that's when you're moving beyond the

simple shot angles what they convey the

duration

and we're starting to go a little bit

deeper in terms of the analysis that you

are performing in the text

okay and finally we'd like to consider

sound

now it's important whenever you're

looking at film to not play

or not pay rather too much attention to

the dialogue between the characters

we're not analyzing the screenplay we're

analyzing the film so it's more

important for you to consider the actual

visual construction of the text however

if you are going to consider

sound we need to consider the importance

of diegetic

versus non-diegetic sounds within the

film so

diegetic sounds are sounds that come

from within the frame so if someone were

filming us while i am being filmed in a

meta sense right now

a diegetic sound is my actual voice that

is doing the talking

if we were to play music in the

background that would be non-diegetic

and it may contribute or alter the tone

that's being conveyed in the film

in some way late motifs are the

repetition of certain sounds within the

film that hold symbolic value

i'd like to give you a classic example

to kind of end the video off with to

help make sense of how you should

interpret sound

in the film let's have a little quick

look at this

brief clip in a very well-known film

jaws

and this will illustrate how sounds

function

so that music we hear there a typical

sound that is attached to the arrival of

the shark jaws

that's a late motif okay so it's

recurring throughout the film

it builds suspense and it makes the

audience know

in a very visceral sense that jaws is

coming to attack

and of course it's a non-diegetic sound

diegetic sounds would be the

the actual sound of the water or of jaws

arriving

within the actual scene this person's

swimming and the noises that makes

that's diegetic but the music overlaid

is non-diegetic and of course as i

mentioned it's a motif it's recurring

throughout the film

and thus is a late motif i think we get

the point

it's actually making me quite nervous

this music

so guys thank you so much for watching i

hope you found this clip useful in terms

of how to tackle film

if you've got any questions please do

comment like subscribe to our channel

and hopefully i'll see you in the next

video

hey guys thank you so much for watching

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subscribe to our channel and we'll have

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that's right guys thanks for watching

and please make sure you check out our

online resource database

we've had a team of state rank achievers

and heads of english

put these together for you covering

everything from essay structures and

examples

all the way through to craft of writing

and comprehension skills so check them

out at ignitehse.com.edu and we look

forward to seeing you in the next video