ISP Week 1- Film Form

FILM FORM- Week 1 ISP

Film form is made up of five key elements: Cinematography (including camera and light), mes-en-scene, sound, editing and performance. 

Example: Ocean’s 11- Opening scene 

CINEMATOGRAPHY:

Cinematography includes two key aspects: Camera and light.

In film form the camera can include:

• Movement 
• Shot length (Extra-long shot (Establishing shot), long shot, mid shot, close up, extreme close up)
• Low/high angle
• Wide/long lens
• Level 
• Technology/film stock
• Composition 
• Point of view (E.g. Handheld- to increase emotional intensity)

In this first scene from Oceans 11 the camera is positioned directly in front of the character using a mid-shot which later cuts to a close up shot. This increases the emotional intensity of the scene and intimacy as it appears that the character is talking directly to the audience and gives the impression of an interrogation point of view, which the scene is about. This is also the reason why instead of using multiple levels the camera is positioned at eye level with the audience. The camera movement is very restricted as it only shows the character himself and the background in the scene. As well as this the composition between the elements of the film- such as the character himself- and the frame in which you only partially see the background, draws the focus of the camera to the actor. This gives the feeling of isolation and time passed for the character in the centre of the close up, which brings the attention to and emphasises the importance of what he is saying.

In film form the lightingcan include: 

• The source of light- Natural/studio/functional
• The texture- Hard/soft light
• High key/low key
• Contrast
• Colour
• Direction of lighting- this can create shadows, reflections of lighting or be dependent on which side of the camera the light is coming from.

In my film still example, we see natural lighting coming through the windows in the background. This is known as hard lighting as it creates a contrast of light upon the characters face where we see a dark shadow down the middle of his face. This also tells us that the direction of light is coming from behind the character, which is shown as you see light reflecting off both sides of him in the scene. I think that this also factors into the texture of light, in which hard light is used to define and make distinct shadows. The fact there is little light emphasises the feeling of confinement and concealment. The colours used in the scene are dull and muted, for example grey walls and black chair, reflecting the mood of scene. This clearly shows the audience the purpose of the scene bring set in a prison which reflects the intensity of the scene. As the scene continues we are introduced to high key natural lighting once the character is released from prison. The purpose of using natural light later on is to show how the character is free and back in the real world instead of stuck inside a prison cell. 

MES-EN-SCENE: 

Mes-en-scene includes what’s on scene:

• Location
• Costume
• Hair/make up
• Visual metaphors

In this scene from Oceans 11 we see very little on the set, other than a chair used by the character, the character himself, as well as a basic wall background and some windows which let the light in. I believe this is a visual metaphor for the dreariness, yet simplicity as seen from the inside of a prison, showing containment and lack of freedom and emotion which the character feels. From the still and the costume design of the character we can depict that the scene is set in a prison. Using dull colours, such as greys and blacks in the still draws the attention away from the background and to the character and their performance. As for set design, across the window in the background you see metal bars clearly showing that the character is being held their due to his crimes and as the opening scene makes it clear to the viewer where the set is based and gives an indication to who the character is. In the scene, we hear voices conducting the interrogation/trial however in the still we do not see these people which gives us a point of view that we are also in the room alongside them. This is important as they are not actually on camera but we do hear their dialogue.

SOUND:

In film form sound can include:

• Diegetic/Foley/non-diegetic
• On/off screen
• Sonic perspective
• Dialogue 
• Music
• Punctuation
• Counterpoint 
• Atmospheric sounds
• Environmental sounds

There are three main types of sound:

Diegetic– is a noise which has a source on-screen. They are noises which have not been edited in, for example dialogue between characters or footsteps. Diegetic sound is important as it shows the character can also hear, as well as what you hear in the scene. 

Non-diegetic– is a noise which does not have a source on-screen, they have been added in through editing. This is important for the audience as it can be used to set the scene, create emotional intensity, tension or convey what the characters are feeling/experiencing.

Foley sound– Similar to diegetic sound. This is recorded and edited into the sequence however to the audience is heard in the film’s world (For example a door opening and closing.)

In my example, there is back and forth dialogue between the main focus character and the unknown person who you hear behind the character, this is known as diegetic sound. In the dialogue, we hear long pauses between the speakers which is intended to increase suspension.  As well as this, at the beginning you hear Foley sound off screen which has been added into make the sound of a prison cell door opening and closing, giving the audience an idea of where the scene is taking place. In this there is no non-diegetic sound or background sound until later on when we start to hear music. In this we see a counter point from no music giving a serious atmosphere to the scene, to (as soon as the camera changes angle) a light hearted upbeat music taking away from the seriousness of it. This also means the audience is more focused to the actions of the character rather than the dialogue. 

PERFORMANCE:

Performance is important in film form as it should be believable to the audience, provoking emotion, tension and suspension. 

This includes:

• Body language
• Facial expressions
• Voice
• Proximity 

For example, within the performance there is limited movement, body language or interaction. In the scene, we see the character sitting on the chair in the centre of the camera frame, in which he uses subtle hand-gestures while speaking. Throughout, the character’s facial expressions remain neutral and unaffected while he maintains a monotone voice, even when making sarcastic comments. The character’s manner is very calm and relaxed, immediately giving an impression of the character’s collected personality which is displayed throughout the whole film. During this scene, the character makes a sarcastic joke, reminding the audience of the ongoing humour and comedic moments in the film, however manages to keep his calm and confident appearance. In this the proximity between the character and anything else in the room is very distant, however the audience being positioned directly in front of him can also make you feel close and connected to him while he is speaking. 

EDITING:

In film form editing can include:

• Parallel action
• Fading in/Fading out  
• Cross fade (2 images at the same time)
• Change of state 
• Continuity editing 
• Montage editing
• Action/reaction (Kuleshov effect)
• Match cut (Graphical or thematic (shows a message))

Editing is important as it can help the audience to focus on certain aspects of a scene as well as help them to understand the narrative. Film editing is also used to build tension or create suspension. For example, the ‘Dolly Zoom’ technique or sometimes called the ‘Vertigo effect’ is used when the camera is moved either forward or backwards while the zoom on the lens is pulled in the opposite direction- this creates an effect which takes the character away from the background and focuses directly on them and their movements.

This example scene was shot in one single take to show raw emotion of the character and make it seem realistic as possible. Only one camera angle was used and edited in the still image, however in the overall scene later on uses two different camera shot lengths (close up). The purpose of editing using only the same camera angle was to create an effect which shows the audience only one perspective of the scene.