Screen Arts 17/2

Film Analysis

Reception of Film

• Film Content Engagement
• Identification(based on actual events that have occured)
• something in the film reminds us of our own experiences
• you identify with the character and their situation
• Idealisation(based on thoughts not actual happenings)
• something in the film resonates with our dreams or aspirations
• Form
• The visual and aural(audio) shape of the film
• Covers all film aspects that can be picked out individually to discuss
• Includes: narrative, mis-en-scene, sound, camera work and editing
• Interaction between elements
• Style
• Refers to usage of Form
• Style is based on time and place
• Genre
• Some films have a unique style
• Can be realistic(cinema verite) or highly stylised.

Analyse the opening scene of Back to the Future

1. What does the scene tell us about the narrative? The opening scene sets up a comedy feel to the movie. The many clocks tell us it is a time travel movie and the fact that Doc isnt around hints at something that has gone wrong/is out of the ordinary.
2. What does mise-en-scene inform about the characters? The skateboard and the over powered amp gives us the clues that Marty is a mischievous class clown type of character, who obviously has some kind of relationship with Doc due to knowing where the key is, and how comfortable he was with letting himself into the room. The many clocks around the room and the automated robots hint at Docs mad scientist/tinkerer personality. The lack of cleanliness shows his obssession also. The morning news article talking about the missing plutonium is linked to the Doc through Marty's careless push of his skateboard when its placed down, hinting at something a little more sinister to come.
3. How does the camera work, editing and sound support the story? The ticking clocks in the long scene are the biggest hint as to the theme of the story. The many closeups on all the dials that are being adjusted again hints at Marty's reckless side in a way that mid-long range shots wouldnt achieve. The almost rube goldberg style sequence is a great example of how Doc is trying to automate his lifestyle through inventions that dont necessarily turn out right(exactly like the issues they pair have to overcome in the rest of the story.) The long shots help to add a sense of ease in the environment, Marty is in no hurry as he goes through Docs things which shows the familiarity between the two. There is a nice lil foreshadowing in the sequence with one of the clocks showing a man hanging off one of the clock arms exactly how it happens later on.

Personal Experiences - Provide exampls of scenes from films or animations that have evoked a sad or weepy emotional response for you personally.

• Give 2 early memory examples
• The Lion King when Mufasa dies
• Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey when Shadow falls into a pit and Chance and Sassy go on to reunite with the family without him, until he finally limps into view to join them.

I still get sad/weepy watching them, I guess death just has the same affect on me regardless of how much time passes.

• Give 2 recent memory examples
• Pokemon: Mewtwo Strikes Back when Ash dies to save the pokemon from Mewtwo
• Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments when Chase dies