Film Analysis

Choose a ~3 minute sequence from Rear Window. Choose a scene that you can access online so that you can watch it a few times. Film is deceptively complex because we naturalize a lot of these techniques. So writing from memory is not effective.

Using the template given below, in one column list the type of shot, the camera angle and movement (e.g. panning shot, low-angle, medium close-up). In another column you’ll very briefly describe mise-en-scene and what’s happening in the shot (e.g. Jeffries grabs binoculars and wheels into the shadow). The last column is where you begin to speculate about the meaning of the action/scene. You’ll add a new entry each time the camera or shot changes.

Essay Description:

Using your observations from the shot list, compose a critical analysis that brings together the film’s form (narrative, mise- en-scene and cinematography) and its meaning (implicit, symptomatic, etc.)). Your analysis should:

Have a clear thesis that addresses a larger theme in the film

Examine how form and content work together to shape your interpretation of the scene.

Useful questions to ask as you watch the scene:

Mise-en-scène: How do props and costumes help convey characters and themes? Are particular colors dominant (or absent)? Is the setting significant? If so, how is it presented? How does the lighting help convey the setting and the action? How is character blocking and placement used?

Cinematography: Where is the camera placed in relation to the action? Distance? Angle? How do particular compositions draw attention to elements of the settings, characters or themes? How does camera movement function in the sequence? Are different focal lengths or depths of field used? How does cinematography reinforce the mise-en-scène?

Shot # Mise-en-scène Cinematography Comments

In this column you note the shot number

In this column you describe significant aspects of lighting, costume, setting, character blocking, and notable color patterns.

In this column you describe the camera distance and angle, any camera movement, composition of the frame, depth of field. You might also note when a shot is similar to a previous shot.

In this column you analyze, ask questions, suggest interpretation, note oppositions or repetitions or similarities … you begin to do the work of writing your essay analysis by noting things that stand out to you.

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