Reference no: EM132380793 , Length: word count:2000

Close Analysis Assignment -

Total 2000 words + Diagrams and Images OR Video Essay.

Movie Name - Django Unchained

NB: the word count for the essay does not include the script of the sequence.

You also have the option to approach this as a video essay subject to negotiation with the unit chair. The video essay must be structured to answer the same points from Part 1 as the written essay would. The video essay only needs to answer Part 1 questions and must be of no less than 7 minutes and no more than 10 minutes duration. You will be required to also submit a written script for your video essay and include references as per a written essay.

This assignment ask you to apply the concepts and ideas discussed in the readings, classes and seminars from weeks 5 to 10 to create a detailed analysis of the form and style of a film sequence, or even a whole film. It is recommended that you focus on a single sequence for ease of analysis.

The assignment is to analyse the approach to cinematography, mise-en-scene, editing and/ or sound in your chosen sequence or film.

You can use the sequence you chose in Close Analysis 1 (i.e. the first assessment) or you can choose a new sequence from the same film or you could look at a whole new film from the list of films on the Cloud site..

If you look at a whole film please note that you will need to select a single sequence for Part 2 of this assignment (see below).

Please note - the last part of this assignment is to synthesise the analysis into a script of the sequence.

Assessment of this assignment will evaluate the depth of your reading and understanding of the readings and discussion, and the application of your understanding to a film sequence (or a film). The assignment should be developed and worked on each week in response to what is presented in weekly readings, lectures and tutorial discussions.

The assessment of your work will also take into consideration your attendance and contributions to discussion in seminars and for Cloud based students, contribution and engagement in the online discussions.

PART 1 - Answer the following questions/points and use these questions to structure your essay. The focus of these points is on a single sequence.

1. Drawing from readings and discussions, analyse how the 'dimensions' of film editing have been applied in your chosen sequence (dimensions = what kind of editing style/ styles are used: e.g. jump cuts, long takes, flashbacks etc). Also note how 'beat' moments in the sequence have been made (beat moments refers to the rhythm and pacing of the editing in the scene to build tension/ drama/ comedy etc).

2. Creating a shot list for your main sequence to be analysed, add a description of each shot noting the shot size (mid shot/ close up), height/ angle (e.g. eye level or high angle), mobility (tilting/ panning, crane, tracking/ dollying etc), focal distance/ length (e.g. longer or shorter lens - long lens such as 100mm + or wide/ short lens like 16mm) and focal depth (i.e. depth of field - shallow or deep?). If you are analysing the same sequence as per Assignment 1 you can simply add on to your shot list from Assignment 1. If you are analysing a different sequence you will need to create a new shot list and add the additional descriptions (size, height, angle etc).

3. Drawing from readings and class discussions, analyse the overall lighting style and approach, making specific reference to at least 8 shots in your sequence.

4. Draw a lighting plan for each of these 8 shots, noting the possible position of the key light and the backlight.

5. Write one paragraph on how both the cinematography and mise-en-scene in your example contribute to the film's plot type and story. Include examples.

6. Drawing from readings and class discussions, further analyse the mise-en-scene making reference to at least 8 different shots.

7. Drawing from readings and class discussions, analyse the sound design in the sequence. Apart from dialogue, what sounds are prominent and in what way do they contribute to the narrative? What are the layers of atmosphere sound that have been added and why? Are there any sound treatments added and why? Where does music start, change or end and why?

PART 2 - Create a script of the sequence using correct script layout as per the accompanying script layout guide.

This task is a challenge to turn into words, the detail and subtlety of what you have observed onscreen and noted in your analysis. However, you are not allowed to mention elements of film form such as shots or cuts. So the writing needs to infer the existence of form. For instance, a close up shot can be hinted at by the detail of a description - e.g. If there is a close up of a lawyer's hands holding a pen before she makes her summary speech, the script might say 'Gina pauses, fidgeting nervously with her pen'.

Use a correct script layout.