Rear Window starts with an extreme long shot of a housing estate, panning from left to right giving the viewer a sense of the spacing of the setting of the film. It is an establishing shot, showing the main characters, props (e.g. the camera) and the area that the beginning of the film will take place
The Shawshank Redemption Ending
The Shawshank Redemption ends with a pull-out shot of the beach at Zihuatanejo, showing the reunion of Andy and Red. There is a contrast of the colours of the sand and the Pacific Ocean, with the boat being centered at the frame. This goes from a medium long shot to an extreme long shot of the two men, ending the film on an emotional reunion.
The Sting - A Game of Jacks
In this scene there is a game of poker being played against two men. The cameras were set on a tripod facing each player. The cards are framed so that the viewer is able to see them, although they are being held very close to the mens chest. At the end of the scene when the cards are revealed, it becomes apparent that the person in the stills has cheated, and the camera zooms in on the cards with a pull-in shot
Lady in the Water - Healing Scene
This scene is a close up shot of the mans face. There is a close up of the mans face at the beginning, after a close up of the woman's scarred legs. After some speech from the man, all the other characters in the scene place their arms on him. Then there is some more speech, and another close up of the woman's leg shows that the scars have healed.
Superman Returns - Lifting a Ship
In this scene, the camera is on a tripod in the sinking ship. The shot is a close up of all the characters faces, and the ship is still sinking until the main character, Superman, rescues it. There is a long shot of Superman and an extreme long shot of the ship, whilst there is a pull-out shot from the camera zooming out.
The Dark Knight
Hi Richard, you could add a bit more to all your film analyses and be more specific, describing the various micro elements the scenes are using. 1)The opening from Rear Window, for example, includes sound that you could refer to and describe (is it diegetic, non-diegetic, what effect does it have on the audience...?), and the different characters are shown doing things as part of their everyday lives, such as shaving, sleeping/waking up, having breakfast etc. Each window is linked to the same courtyard, and in that context, you could refer to the title of the film. There are a number of close-ups too, which are used for particular reasons. Remember this is an opening; you need to describe it with that in mind. 2)Shawshank Redemption also offers the opportunity for a richer description than you provide. What about the narrator sound, and the beginning when Red is packing his suitcase? You start by referring to the ending, and therefore ignore more than half of the scene. You need to make reference to all the key elements and what is shown, given you only have to analyse short scenes, so don't limit yourself in your analyses by being too general.
ReplyDeleteYou did well with picking up on the narrative development in The Sting, but try and exploit the micro elements of the scenes more and use the appropriate terminology.
I can't seem to see the Dark Knight on your blog?