Chapter 4 Storytelling with Light 155Analysis: Examining the Image
As you view motion pictures, keep these questions in mind:- How is cinematography used to help to indicate an initial reaction
to the motion picture? How are visual cues used to tell viewers
about what they are about to see? - How do key visual aspects of the fi lm—framing, exposure,
contrast, color, movement—aff ect the portrayal of the people,
places, and events of the story? - How does the image help to set the style and tone of the movie in
order to tell a story eff ectively or convey emotions and messages?
Expressive Values of Moving Images
You will watch a selection of short movies, including Lucky by Nash Edgerton
(see included DVD), to answer these questions in discussion or writing:
- Focusing on Light: How does the impact of light, color, and
texture of the image help to set a tone with the movie? Consider the
following:
a. Use of focus and depth of fi eld to establish style and
communicate
b. Qualities of brightness and darkness in the images
c. Use of color in the frame
d. Recording medium (fi lm, digital, and so forth) and overall
look of the images - Th e Frame: How does the framing and movement of shots and
sequences serve the drama or visual artistry of the story? Consider
the following:
a. Screen aspect ratio and impact of the dimensions of the frame
b. Movement of the camera
c. Choices in composition and use of depth in framing - Visual Style: Describe the overall effect of visual style in the
motion picture. You may also imagine a contrasting approach to
the cinematography and include a description of the eff ect of such
a visual scheme on the fi nished movie.
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