Moving Images, Understanding Media

Chapter 1 Motion Picture Language 31

Analysis: Communicating through Images

A. Basic Information: Character, Place, Tone – For the fi rst section of

this Analysis exercise, you will watch the opening sequences from a

selection of movies. Answer the following questions in relation to each

sequence:

1. What characters are revealed in the opening, and how are
   they introduced? Are there any clues indicating who will be
   main characters in the movie?


2. Using the vocabulary from this unit, describe one sequence of
   at least three consecutive shots from the selection. What does
   the sequence tell you?


3. What information is revealed in the opening? How is this
   done—through shots? Sound? How does shot selection show
   or hide information?


4. Aft er examining your answers for 1, 2, and 3, what do you
   think will be the tone and style of the movie?
   B. Creating a World: Inhabitants, Landscapes & Interiors, Atmosphere – For
   Part B, you will watch Inja by Steve Pasvolsky (see included DVD) and
   other selected short fi lms. Take notes on the movies to prepare your answers
   to the following questions. Aft er all of the shorts have been screened, you
   will analyze one of the fi lms or complete a comparison and contrast of
   two of the fi lms. You choose the one or two fi lms and use the questions
   below to guide your writing. For each of the short fi lms you view, answer
   the following questions:


5. How are the characters introduced? Th rough the course of
   the movie, how do their actions defi ne who they are?


6. How is the setting portrayed? What is the sense of space in
   the movie—what do you see or not see in the world that these
   characters inhabit?


7. What types of shots do you see in the fi lm? How do the
   fi lmmakers use photography to set a tone and style?


8. What is the pace and style of the editing? Describe two cuts
   in the movie: between what shots do they occur and at what
   points in the story? In what ways do any edits add meaning to
   the shots or help the fl ow of scenes?


9. What visual and sonic elements create a strong impact? What
   are your reactions to the short movie? Consider both your
   thoughts and emotions.

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