chapter 1 the art of watching films

7/28/2019 Chapter 1 the Art of Watching Films

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The Uniqueness of Film

Film uses free and constant

motion to convey anoverwhelming sense of reality.


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Some differences between

other art forms: Concrete images and sounds to communicate

directly to audiences.

Unlike the abstract use of verbal symbols in novels

and poems. Unique capacity for varied points of view,

action, manipulation of time, and boundless

sense of space.

Unlike live theatre that is bound to confines of

stage.


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Challenges of Film Analysis

Once frozen, no longer a motion

picture.

No longer analyze camera movement,

editing, performance, etc

However, we can become cineliterate

by replaying movie for further scrutiny.

MULTIPLE VIEWINGS


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Challenges of Film Analysis

Challenge is to immerse yourself in the

sensory experience while remaining critically

objective.

Second viewing allows you to focus onareas other than narrative.

Process of analysis continues after the movieis over.

Viewer can reflect on the entire experience.


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The Value of Film Analysis

Analysis involves breaking up the whole

movie to discover the nature, proportion,

function, and interrelationship of each of

its choices of formal elements.


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The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Directed by Jonathan Demme (Philadelphia, Married to the

Mob, Something Wild)

Screenplay by Ted Tally(White Palace, Red Dragon)

Based on the novel by Thomas Harris


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Cast

Jodie Fosteras Clarice Starling(Taxi Driver, The Accused, Inside Man)

Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lecter

(Hannibal, Red Dragon, The Edge)

Scott Glenn as Jack Crawford

(The Right Stuff, Training Day, W.)

Also includes:

Anthony Heald as Dr. Frederick Chilton

Ted Levine as Jame 'Buffalo Bill' Gumb

Frankie Faison as Barney Matthews
http://www.imdb.com/rg/action-box-name/headshot/media/rm2732760832/nm0001277http://www.imdb.com/rg/action-box-name/headshot/media/rm2749472512/nm0000164http://www.imdb.com/rg/action-box-name/headshot/media/rm1507958528/nm0000149


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Awards

Oscars Wins:

1. Best Actress in Leading Role: Jodi Foster

2. Best Actor in Leading Role: Anthony Hopkins

3. Best Director: Jonathan Demme

4. Best Adapted Screenplay: Ted Tally

5. Best Picture

34 other awards and 27 other nominations.


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What comes to mind?

Horror


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What comes to mind?

Horror

Thriller


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What comes to mind?

Horror

Thriller

Feminist Heros

Journey


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Questions for Analyzing

Your Responses to a FilmDo you have any strongprejudices against thisparticular type of film?

If so, how did theseprejudices affect yourresponses to the film?

Does this film have anyspecial qualities that set itapart from other films of thesame type?


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Questions for Analyzing

Your Responses to a Film What expectations do you

bring to this viewing ofSilence of the Lambs? Genre

Famous Actors Awards

Word of mouth

Once the film is over,

reflect on how theseexpectations influencedyour reaction to the film?


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Formal Choices

Depictions of Violence


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Formal Choices

Clarice as outsider


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Formal Choices

Whats the Pattern?


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Breaking Patterns


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Serial Killers

Two distinct serial killers

chapter 1 the art of watching films

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