Film (Image) Analysis

CLOSELY view and consider the still images above from our W2 (Casablanca, dir Michael Curtiz, 1942) and W3 feature screenings (Rashomon, dir Akira Kurowsawa, 1950). For this exercise, you will perform a 2-part written analysis for TWO images. (You are responsible for both narrative analysis and describing mise-en-scène for images from both films.)

PART 1: a narrative analysis

Identify the image from the film and in what SCENE it appears, and describe in your own words how the image/scene fits into the narrative.

When does the image/scene appear in a larger STORY and PLOT?

How does the image/scene fall within the film’s plot arrangement or PLOT ORDER?

Describe the CHARACTERS in the image.

Who are they, and how do they generally appear in the narrative?

What type of characters are they, and what are their principal traits/characteristics?

Their motivations?

What is their significance in the narrative? Where does the image/scene occur in a DRAMATIC ARC?

PART 2: mise-en-scène

Describe in your own words the design elements and composition of MISE-EN-SCENE.

How does attention to each element impact NARRATIVE STRUCTURE and/or CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT?

Consider:  framing and/or camera movement composition setting, props, use of space lighting costume, makeup, hair kinesis, figure movement/modeling, acting

*ELECTRONIC COPIES (docx) of your response papers should be 4-5 pages of double-spaced, standard 12-point size/font (like Times New Roman); 1 in. margins. When referencing READINGS and other sources, be sure to cite your secondary references consistently and in a standard format (eg, MLA, Chicago, etc). Please see the syllabus and readings list for bibliographic information.

 

EVALUATION  10 pts total = 2 + 6 + 2  completion, addresses prompt content: use of concepts, issues raised; use of screenings, readings, notes, discussion in analysis form: language, mechanics, grammar; format