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ANALYSING A FILM, By Denise O´Keeffe

English in context. Every topic for developing communication in English. Let´s movie!

Denise O´Keeffe "Film in the Classroom"

Analysing a film and its elements implies dealing with the story, setting, sound, colour, characters, camera shots, angles and movements, reviews...

A film is an experience of images, sounds, emotions.

What main elements make a film work? – The three Cs and Ss

STORY, SETTING, SOUND – these can be applied to any text or media.

COLOUR, CHARACTER, CAMERA – these are unique to film.

STORY

This is the narrative of a film and provides its basic structure and shape.

SETTING

This provides the backdrop against which a film or a scene in a film takes place. It can be geographical and historical. It can identify a mood or situation and can help the audience understand the actions and emotions of the characters. Most films contain a main setting and secondary/minor settings. These can be interior (in a building) or exterior. They can be filmed on location or in specially built sets.

SOUND

The soundtrack contains various elements which contribute to telling the story and are used for various effects.

Sound can be diegetic or actual sound (voices of the characters, sounds made by objects in the story, for example footsteps, waves, crowd noises, music from instruments in the story space) Sound can be added later when the film is edited.

Sound can also be non-diegetic or commentary sound (a commentary by a narrator, sound effects, music or score)

Silence – it can make an impact on the feeling or atmosphere in a film. It can add emotional tension or emphasis.

NOTES SPECIALLY FOR MUSIC TEACHERS

How many different sounds do you hear? What are they? How does the music in the film make you feel?

When do the music or sounds change? What is happening on screen when the sound or music change?

If you listen to the sounds and music without the images can you tell what is happening? Are there any moments of silence in the film? When do they happen?]

COLOUR

This contributes to how a film looks and helps to tell the story. It can convey mood and atmosphere (bright colours, sombre colours, different shades); visual contrasts are used to make a character, building or place stand out. Colour can also show the passing of time.

NOTES SPECIALLY FOR ART TEACHERS

What colours do you see?

When do the colours change and why?

What do the colours tell you about the time of day the story took place?

What are the main colours used in the film? Are some more important than others? Why do you think certain colours are used?

What colours would you have chosen?

Do the colours change when the story is in a different setting? Are any colours associated with particular characters?

How important do you think the colours are in the film?

What would the film have been like in black and white or in just one colour?]

CHARACTER

Note: Explain the different meanings of «character» in the English language.

Personaje – en literatura, teatro, película – a person in fiction, film or theatre Carácter – modo de ser/personalidad – the moral quality of a person

Signo, letra – a writing symbol

Fama, reputación – reputation

Cualidades especiales – special qualities that are interesting or unusual

QUESTIONS TO DISCUSS ABOUT CHARACTERS

Is there a main character or characters? What do they look like?

How do they dress? How do they speak?

How can you tell what the characters are thinking or how they are feeling? How do they behave? How do they behave towards other characters?

Do any of the characters have particular music or sounds? Which character interests you most?

Would you have included any other characters in the story?

How would the story be different with another character added or a character taken away?

CAMERA

The camera acts as a narrator with sequences of camera shots leading the viewer through the story. It is important to think about when and why certain shots are used. A camera reveals a character’s viewpoint and expressions. It describes scenes and settings. It creates tension and conveys the pace of the action.

Different shots convey detail, scene setting and a broader context. Angles and movements of the camera convey moods, atmosphere and moods.

Camera shot size – you use different sized shots to show different things: Here are some basic sizes:

A close-up: This shows part of the subject – their face or their head and shoulders. It lets you imagine what the character is feeling.

An extreme close up: this shows a small part of a person or thing, for example the eyes. It is used to show an important detail.

A mid-shot: this shows the top half of the body. You see the face and what the person is doing. A long-shot: this shows someone from head to foot. You can see the person in the setting

An extreme long shot: you are too far away to recognise people. You can use it at the beginning of a film to show the setting.

Camera angle: instead of just shooting everything at eye level, the camera can go above, below or behind the subject.

Here are some basic angles:

A low angle shot: you point the camera up at the person.

A high angle shot: you point the camera down at the person. A birdseye shot looks straight down at the scene or a thing.

A Dutch angle shot: you shoot with the camera on a slant. The effect is to make things seem odd.

Camera movements:

Tracking shots: the camera is steady, on a surface with wheels and can go forwards (track in) or backwards (track out) or sideways (crab)

QUESTIONS TO DISCUSS ABOUT THE USE OF THE CAMERA

What shots can you identify?

When do you see a long shot or a close up shot?

What are the different shots used for?

How does the camera help to tell the story?

When does the camera move and when does it stay still?

What do the first shots tell us about the story, the setting, the characters?

WHAT IS A REVIEW?

A review is an opinion that comments on how good or bad a book, film, play or other work of art is.

A film review has a number of purposes:

1.-To inform.

The review needs to tell people who is in the film, who it is by and where or when readers can see it.

2.- To describe.

The review should describe the story, characters and some of the action - without spoiling the plot or giving too much away!

3.- To analyse.

A good review gives an opinion on whether the film is good or not and why. 4.- To advise.

Finally, the review should tell the reader whether or not to go and see the film.

Style – Personal? Informal? Who is the target audience?

One of the most important things to remember when writing a review is who you are writing for. Why is someone reading the review, and what information do they need to know?

Note: Most people read reviews to find out if they want to see the film so imagine what you would like to know in their situation, if you hadn’t seen it yet.

FILM LANGUAGE

It's important to use the right language for discussing films.

Film types or genres: comedy, action, animation, drama; thriller; adventure film, horror, etc. (Exercise on genres)

Useful words:

Character; setting; story; narrative; sound; dialogue; soundtrack; sound effects; shots; mood; to shoot a film

Performance: how the film is acted. Direction: how the story is told.

Editing: how the parts of the film or action are put together.

Music and sound effects: how the music works with or against the pictures.

Special effects: how the film uses unusual techniques such as computer-generated imagery (CGI).

Cinematography: how the film looks (how it is photographed).

USEFUL EXPRESSIONS

The last film I saw was / The last book I read was The film is directed by

The book is written by

SETTING

The story/action takes place in…… / The action of the film is set in The story is based on ………

CHARACTERS AND PLOT

The main characters are……..

There are many memorable characters including …………..

The story is about ……..

The film/book/novel tells the story of ………….

The main theme of the story is …………..

REACTION

I was impressed by …… I think …………

The film is exciting…………..

What surprised me was……………………..

What I liked is………………………

What I didn’t like is………………………

I liked/didn’t like the film/book/novel because …………..

I would recommend this film to …………

I wouldn’t recommend it for children/teenagers/adults because ……………

It’s one of the best/worst films I’ve ever seen.

Although I’m not normally keen on (musicals/horror films/science fiction films, etc), I’m glad I decided to go.

Common words and phrases used in film reviews that advanced students might want to use in their reviews;

Spectacular visual effects, excessive violence, breathtaking, evocative, unsuccessful, irresistible, perfect, wonderful, hilarious, unexpected plot twists, unbelievable, disappointing, imitation, typical, thrilled,. It was a very moving portrayal, credible, too many clichés, captivating.

Don’t miss it / Not to be missed

PLANNING A REVIEW

Before writing a review students should think about the following questions and make notes:

What did you watch?

What did you like about the film? / What did you not like/ dislike? How did the film make you feel?

Who were the main characters? Who was your favourite character? Did anything confuse you? Why?

Have you seen any other films like it? How is this one the same? How is it different? What surprised you about the film?

Which parts will you remember the most and why? Would you like to watch it again? Why?

If you had directed this film, how would you have made it better? What will you tell your friends about this film?

A WRITING FRAME

Generally a review can be divided into four paragraphs.

Paragraph one is the introduction:

A few sentences. You give the reader some basic information.

For a film you would give the title, the director or producer, possibly the main actors, and the general type – action, romance, comedy, science fiction, etc.

For a book, you would give the title, the author, and the type – that is, novel, story collection, biography, and memoir.

Try to make it interesting or exciting so that the reader wants to continue reading.

Paragraph Two – A summary of the synopsis: a short description of a film.

Briefly describe what happens in the film - the plot and action. Don’t give every detail. Remember that plot summaries are always written in the present tense.

For example: "Frodo and Sam leave the Shire and go to Mordor to destroy the ring of power." You should avoid details which would spoil viewing the film for others and you should not give away the ending. Many people read reviews before they see the film or read the book. You should just tell enough of the plot in order to give them a general idea of what to expect.

Note: teach the expression «spoiler», the verb «spoil»

Estropear (The bad news spoilt my evening)/ mimar (a spoilt child/to spoil a child) and the expression spoilsport (aguafiestas)

Paragraph Three – Style

Write about anything special the book or film offers. For a film, you might mention the quality of the acting or script or photography or special effects and how these add to the atmosphere of the film.

Paragraph Four – Evaluation and analysis

Did you like the film? Why? / Why not? Describe how you feel about the film.

For advanced students

Evaluate the technical elements. How do the cinematography, editing, lighting, sound, and other components support or detract from the film? Is music appropriate and effectively employed? Judge the story. Are the character’s actions justified, and are their motives plausible? Does the plot make sense? Is the story line logical? Is the narrative arc well shaped, with an economy of form, or is it flabby or drawn out, with time-killing pointlessness? Rate the actors.

What could the performers, the screenwriters, or the filmmaker have done differently to make the movie work better?

Finally, sum up your opinion of the book or film and then say whether or not you would recommend it and for whom. For example, some books or films might be inappropriate for children but great for teens and adults; others teens might like but adults might not.

EXERCISES

A. Match the film genre to the description:

ROMANCE	CLASSIC	WESTERN	DOCUMENTARY	SCIENCE FICTION	THRILLER	HORROR
CRIME	COMEDY	MUSICAL	DOCUMENTARY	ANIMATION	DRAMA

1. A film without real people. Another word for a cartoon.

2. A film that tells a story

3. A film with cowboys and Indians, usually set in America

4. A film with lots of songs and dancing

5. A film involving the police

6. A film that will make you laugh a lot

7. A film set in the future

8. A film that is very frightening

9. An old movie, often in black and white

10. A film with a love story

11. A film that is factual

12. A film that keeps you on the edge of your seat and you are not sure what will happen

B. One word adjectives to describe a film

Colourful	Sad	Fantastic	Exciting	Magnificent	Strange	Dark
Unbelievable	Magical	Boring	Awful	Hilarious	Confusing	Silly
Depressing	Dull	Great	Frightening	Scary	Strange	Different
Beautiful	Distinctive	Annoying

Add three more adjectives.

Which adjectives are positive? Which adjectives are negative?

Which adjectives could be used to describe 1. a comedy; 2. A horror film

C. Creating Effective Film Reviews – One-word review

List three films you have watched recently: give the title of the film, then one word to describe it, then one sentence about it.

Example:

FANTASTIC MR FOX -

Funny - This film was fantastic because the characters were funny and the animation helped to bring my favourite book to life.

D. The part of a review that describes the plot is called a ‘synopsis’. We want a review to tell us a little bit about what happens in the film – but not too much. Too much detail can be boring for the reader and might even spoil the film. That’s why giving away the end of the film in a review is called a ‘spoiler’.

GUESS THE FILM

Describe a film in no more than 3 sentences. Remember: no spoilers!

E. Creative comparisons

One of the best ways to help someone understand something they haven’t experienced yet is by comparing it to something that they have experienced.

Can you complete the sentence for each of these comparisons? Example: TOY STORY

If this film were an animal………………

Suggestion: it would be a puppy because it’s playful and cute If this film were a well-known person it would be ………….

If this film were a book it would be ………………..

If this film was an ice cream flavour it would be ………………

F. A review is just an opinion – there are no right or wrong answers! But some reviews are better than others.

Here are 2 reviews on FROZEN. Which do you think is most effective?

Review one:

This film is about two girls who are sisters. They have some troubles. This film was good because a snowman sang. I liked the bit where the wolves chased the sled. It was scary. Everyone should watch this film because it was good. I would not recommend this film for old people.

Review two:

In a kingdom far, far away, two young princesses who were once close now live a quiet and lonely life in their castle. But when elder sister Elsa is asked to take the throne, a

secret is revealed – with serious consequences for the two sisters and for the whole kingdom. FROZEN is a beautiful CGI animation featuring strong characters, including a hilarious supporting cast of a reindeer and shape-shitfting snowman. The icy landscapes and wintery colours are visually stunning and the songs are catchy, making this film a feel-good festive treat. Suitable for all ages, but definitely aimed at girls and this film is one to watch with your sister!

Review one is a more/less effective review because... Review two is a more/less effective review because...

Extension:

Can you improve the less effective review? What could you add, change or move to make it more effective?

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS FOR CLASS DISCUSSION AFTER VIEWING A FILM

What kind of film did you think it was going to be? Did the film continue as you expected?

What did you like about this film? What did you dislike about this film?

Was there anything that confused or surprised you? What was most memorable about it and why?

Have you seen any other films like this one or about the same theme? How is this film the same?

How is it different?

If you had made this film, what would you have done differently?

Did the film make you think differently about similar experiences in real life? Would you like to watch it again? Why? / Why not?

What will you tell your friends or family about this film? Who do you think would especially like it?

Linguistic aspects in a language require constant updating. Language specialists Teachers need to update the English Language skills for their personal development and for the proper use in the classroom.

That´s the reason why it is essential to design and offer this activity composed of varied interesting topics that obviously lead to new didactic ideas for being used in the classroom .

This focmative activity was performed from19-January 2016 to 23-Feb-2016 in the CFP en Idomas.

OUR WONDERFUL SPEAKERS:

Jonathan Clark - "Do Foreign Language Learners Know What they Want?"

Harry Bailie – "Why I love birding" -

Simon Griggs "Winter Sports: Skiing" -

Catherine Park – "Art is Upon the Town!"

Films in the classroom, bird watching, the process of learning a language, art and sports are topics that can be developed naturally with the students . They are perfect for introducing concepts, vocabulary, structures ...

Lots of activities that English specialists and CLIL teachers in bilingual schools of Castilla and León have being discussing and introducing in their repertoire for their lessons.

Motivation is the clue for learning.

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Wednesday, 27 January 2016

FILMS IN THE CLASSROOM

ANALYSING A FILM, By Denise O´Keeffe

English in context. Every topic for developing communication in English. Let´s movie!

Useful links for different topics

Blog Archive

Páginas

Tuesday, 11 May 2021

2021-2022 SHORT FILM SELECTION

Tuesday, 16 June 2020

2019-2020 SHORT FILM SELECTION

Disney Pixar

Song:

Adrian Belew

Song You Make My Dreams (Come True)

Artist

Writers

Licensed to

Wednesday, 27 January 2016

FILMS IN THE CLASSROOM

ANALYSING A FILM, By Denise O´Keeffe English in context. Every topic for developing communication in English. Let´s movie!

ANALYSING A FILM, By Denise O´Keeffe

English in context. Every topic for developing communication in English. Let´s movie!