Film Aesthetics and Narrative

Final Exam

Sequence Analysis

(100 points) Due: ______

Directions: Your assignment is to write a four-page essay analyzing the sequence you select. How do the mise-en-scene, cinematography, and sound design work together in the sequence to highlight the overall theme of the sequence?

Sequence Options: All four of the sequence options are available on Mrs. Federick’s website.

  1. Touch of Evil (1958, Orson Welles): “Opening Shot”
  2. Do the Right Thing (1989, Spike Lee): “Fight the Power” and “Destroying Sal’s”
  3. Goodfellas (1990, Martin Scorsese): “Dinner in Prison”
  4. Wall-E (2008, Andrew Stanton): “Wall-E Meets Eve” and “First Date”

Part I: Shot List/Detailed Notes (30 points, graded and handed in with final paper)

Before you begin writing your paper, prepare either a descriptive shot list or extremely detailed notes that describe all the stylistic elements used in the sequence.

Part II: Analytical Paper

Once you have created your shot list/detailed notes, begin thinking about how the techniques you documented in the sequence work together. Develop an argument about how these techniques reinforce the scene’s themes, and then select detailed, individual examples from the sequence to prove your argument. You do not need to describe the entire sequence, nor do you need to write about every shot. Instead, use selective examples to analyze how particular techniques create specific effects and reinforce the overall theme of the sequence.

Questions to Ask:

Mise-en-scene: How do props and costumes help convey characters and themes? Are particular colors dominant (or absent)? Is the setting significant? If so, how is it presented? How does the lighting help convey the setting and the action? How is character blocking used?

Cinematography: Where is the camera placed in relation to the action? Distance? Angle? How does camera movement function within the sequence? How does cinematography reinforce the mise-en-scene?

Sound: What sounds are present? Is silence used? Is there narration? Is there music? Are there sound effects? Is there dialogue? When and how are onscreen and offscreen sound used? Are sounds diegetic or non-diegetic?

Tips:

Avoid plot summary and extended visual description. Aim instead to analyze how specific cinematic techniques function to highlight the themes from the scene. Organize your essay around key points in your argument, rather than a chronological examination of the sequence.

Avoid evaluative language. (“The costumes are beautiful.”) Aim instead to analyze the effects of the techniques used. (“Ada’s restrictive, layered clothing impedes her movement through the natural surroundings and symbolizes her oppression.”)

Use precise film terminology. (Is the camera movement a track, tilt, pan, or dolly? Is it a high-angle shot or a low-angle shot?, etc.) Consult your notes and the articles if you are in doubt.

Avoid vague language. (“The use of lighting in this sequence is very effective” or “The props are very interesting.” Aim instead to analyze the specific effect of the individual techniques. (“Graphic blocking emphasizes the separation between the two gangs.”)

Make a strong argument about the sequence.

Ineffective thesis statement: In this essay, I will analyze the use of sound in Blackmail’s ”knife” sequence, connecting it to larger thematic and visual patterns in the film as a whole.

Effective thesis statement: In Blackmail, the use of off-screen sound illustrates Alice’s powerlessness, encouraging viewers to identify with her position of victimization.

You are not required to do any additional research for this paper. Rely on the analytical skills we have been developing in class.

Essay Requirements:

·  Type and double-space your paper.

·  Underline or italicize film titles. When you first introduce the film, also include the year and the director.

·  Give your paper a title that reflects your argument about the sequence.

·  Include your name, your teacher’s name, and the date on your title page.

·  Spell check and proofread your paper.

Academic Misconduct: Any act of academic misconduct, including, but not limited to, cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, or facilitating academic dishonesty, will result in failure of the paper and failure of the class.