Chapter 4

Narrative Form

Exposition• The dense amount of detail/information

conveyed in the opening scenes of a film

Backstory• The details of a character’s past that emerge as the

film unfolds, and which often explain a character's motivation.

Diegetic Material

A term used for any narrative, sound, or visual element not contained in the story

world. (Ex: credits, score)

Non- Diegetic Material

A term used for any narrative, sound, or visual element contained in the imagined

world of the story- (Characters see or hear it)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCysb4_-4jU

Running time/Screen timeThe length in minutes for a film to play in it’s entirety.

Running time vs. Real time- When a film is REAL TIME it’s

running time is the same as if it were filmed “live”

Point of AttackThe first event the audience sees in the film

FabulaA chronological and complete account of all the events in a narrative. (The story as it happened chronologically including backstory)

SyuzhetThe selection and ordering of narrative events presented in a film. (The story as shown)

Filmmaking:Which events do you SHOW

and which Events do you TELL?

Chapter 5Mise en Scene

Mise En Scene

• Definition: Integrated design of a film that is composed of:

–Setting–Human Figure–Lighting–Composition

Setting• Establish time and place• Introduce themes & ideas• Create mood

Three ways to create setting:• On location• Soundstage• CGI

Human Figure

• Casting

• Figure Placement & Movement

• Costumes & Props

• Makeup

Typecasting: The practice of repeatedly casting actors in similar roles across different films

Method Acting: A style of stage acting developed from the teachings of Stanislavski which trains actors to get into character through the use of emotional memory.

Figure Placement /Movement: Two Planes:• Foreground/Background• High /Low

Connotations: • Foreground/higher shows dominance power or oppression• Background/lower shows submission, or vulnerability. • Same plane = equitable relationship- balance.

Composition

The arrangement of all visual elements in the frame

Elements of Composition• Balance & Symmetry– Balanced symmetricalshots Imply harmony & order

– Imbalanced or asymmetrical shots suggest lack of equilibrium

Elements of Composition

Lines & Diagonals• Diagonal = Anxiety (Visually strongest of the

three)• Vertical = Strength (2nd strongest impact)• Horizontal= Peace (3rd)

Diagonal Composition

Diagonal = Anxiety (Visually strongest of the three)

Vertical

• Vertical = Strength (2nd strongest impact)

Horizontal

• Horizontal= Peace (3rd)

• Framing– Loose: Figures have a lot of space in the shot;

Implies freedom or isolation

– Tight: Lack of space around figure contributes to sense of constriction. Implies entrapment or intimacy .

• Foreground & Background• Light & Dark

• Color– Saturated – strong & vivid

– Desaturated – less pure- contain more white , washed out