After today\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s class, I thought it might not be a bad a idea to list and define some \u00e2\u20ac\u0153key\u00e2\u20ac\u009d terms in film studies; I thought it would be easier if we had a list of a few important things in one place so when ideas like cut, mise-en-scene and camera angles come up, we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d have some of those already defined. Most of these terms come from Understanding Films<\/u> which is a highly useful film studies book if anyone is interested in a little background reading. <\/p>\n
Shot<\/b> — an unedited strip of film, continuous from the time the camera starts to when it stops filming
\nFrame<\/b> — the dividing line between edges of screen image and the enclosing darkness of the theater. Also a single photo from a filmstrip
\nMise-en-Scene<\/b> — the arrangement of objects in space, the art of the long and extreme long shot.
\nDominate Contrast<\/b> — the area of an image that immediately attracts our attention because of conspicuous and compelling contrast (note: this is often easier to see when the image is turned upside down. Try it, its cool!)
\nBird\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Eye<\/b> — camera angle where the camera is directly overhead, giving the audience and \u00e2\u20ac\u0153bird\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s eye view\u00e2\u20ac\u009d
\nHigh Angle<\/b> — camera placed on a crane to give the audience a greater overview. This angle seems to slow movement down and reduce subject importance.
\nEye-Level<\/b> camera placed approximately 5 to 6 feet from the ground, the eye-level of an average-height person. This presents all characters on an \u00e2\u20ac\u0153even plane\u00e2\u20ac\u009d and allows the audience to make their minds up about the characters on their own.
\nLow Angle<\/b> — camera placed on the floor, or some other low point, and angled upwards. Seems to speed up motion, give a sense of confusion and minimize the environment while heightening subject importance.
\nOblique Angle<\/b> — a lateral camera tilt which suggests tension, transition and impending movement. <\/p>\n
So those are my \u00e2\u20ac\u0153important\u00e2\u20ac\u009d terms, which may or may not play out in this class, but they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re certainly interesting things to notice in any film! Also, another interesting fact I came across recently is that they human eye can only see and process 8 elements at a time, which would explain why we often have to watch a film more than once to see find every meaningful thing the director has packed in there. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
After today\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s class, I thought it might not be a bad a idea to list and define some \u00e2\u20ac\u0153key\u00e2\u20ac\u009d terms in film studies; I thought it would be easier if we had a list of a few important things in … Continue reading