Let’s do some close analysis of select sequences from our two set texts. You will be allocated two sequences, one from each film. Your job is to explore the representation of the vampire monsters at these moments in the film.
Firstly, do a close micro analysis of:
Editing
Sound
Cinematography
Mise-en-scene
Then consider, how these micro features communicate meaning about the nature of these monsters, their representation.
You will be responsible for putting together two slides, one for each film, which compares the scenes and considers what social fears seem to be reflected by Eli & Nosferatu.
Here are the scenes. The scenes your group have been allocated are next to the scene. Please complete two slides in this shared (editable) slideshow:
A key features of any horror film is the monster. The monster is said to represent the fears, anxieties and concerns of society at that time. That means that the monster and the theme of the film are inextricably linked and intertwined with each other.
To start developing your understanding we are going to look at some classic horror monsters and consider their representation and beneath that what social fear they stand for.
TASK
In pairs, do some research and develop a monster profile for your allocated monster.
On page two of the document identify features of this film which you think are conventional of the horror genre. Create a new page in your reflective journal called Horror. Post the film and your analysis.
This will serve as a useful blueprint and structure (Altman) against which to test our two films, Nosferatu and Let The Right One In. We will ask ourselves the questions:
In what ways do our films follow the generic conventions of horror
how are they different and…
…can we account for those differences.
Remember you should also have watched the two films on the previous blog post!
In year 13 you have to conduct an independent comparative study of two films.
The outcome for this unit will be a video essay in the style of Lessons from the Screenplay, in which you compare two films from different times and/or places. This video essay will be sent for external assessment and is worth 20%.
There must be an element of independent research in this project.
All sources cited must be referenced using the Harvard system of referencing.
The Film Focus
This is the academic approach or framework which you use to study the two films, you can choose from the following:
Action lines (in the script) give the scene a sense of atmosphere. They also give actors and directors guidance about their characters and the tone of the scene.
The last line is the point of the scene.
Funnel the scene down to its final point of crisis or tension.
Subplot characters echo and foreshadow the narrative journey of the central protagonist.
‘STOLEN’
Write a short screenplay for a scene entitled ‘Stolen’.
Remember everything you learn in practice you should look for in professional film and reflect…
Think, what impact was the film maker able to communicate through use of this technique?
Consider that everything you start to notice in professional work, whether that be: cinematography, sound design, screenwriting, editing or production design, is something you could be experimenting with in your own film making!
Finally, always reflect on what you have learnt when filming and also, how can you do it better?
To create a sense of place and/or events without giving any narrative information away. This is often done in title sequences to capture the mood of the film without giving away spoilers.
Here is short film, which is an extended montage of a place.
2. To compress time to show a rapid development of a character or event, which is important in the narrative development
Here are examples from the Rocky franchise:
Task
Create a montage which compresses time and communicates a sense of atmosphere. For example:
The tedious lesson
A frantic school day
Writing an difficult essay
Another long event (+1 hour) that can be filmed in school
The Rules
The montage should last 30-40 seconds.
It should contain at least 12 different (beautifully composed shots) some of which may be repeated in the edit.
The montage should communicate a clear meaning (what’s going on) and clear atmosphere (tone or feel).
There should be a clear sense of time passing and have a clear beginning and end, which fades out to black (to make it seem like more time has passed).
Creative Partnership
This week you are going to be working in pairs and will have specific roles in production and post production:
Storyboard Artist
Director
Cinematographer
Editor
Sound Designer / Mixer
To complete this tasks effectively you’re going to have to think carefully about how the edit is going to look in the end and ensure that you film all the shots you need. This means planning your sequence. Do do this we are going to use a screenwriting tool called…
