FILM STUDIES

Elements of Film

Theme

1.The unifying central concern of the film - the special focus that unifies the work.

2.What the director wants you to learn about life/human nature.

3.Most movies have a theme - even the bad ones!

Section 1

Identifying the Theme

Theme IS NOT the subject. Subject is a topic usually can be stated in a single word. Example: “loyalty” “love”

Identifying the Theme

Theme makes some revelation about the subject. Should be able to be expressed in a sentence Example: “Loyalty to a leader is not always noble.” “Love is blind.”

There is no single way to state a theme

Major Elements of Film Most movies fall into the following four classifications:

Section 2

1. Plot: Everything else is secondary to the story.

Plot driven movies: a. Provide escape from the

boredom and drabness of everyday life, so the action is exciting and fast paced.

b. Allow characters, ideas and emotional effects to be subordinate to events.

c. The final outcome is all-important.

Transformers, Indiana Jones series, Fast and the Furious, Titanic

2. Emotional Effect or Mood: The feeling/impact is paramount

These films utilize a single mood or emotion that prevails from beginning to end – horror, romantic comedy, suspense/thriller.

Segments of the film are purposefully arranged to lead in steps toward a single powerful emotional effect.

The Proposal, Psycho, The Bourne Identity, 500 Days of Summer

3. Character: The person sticks in your mind even

if other aspects of the film don’t.

a. The events are focused in a way that the viewer is forced/directed to focus on the character being developed.

b. The characters are appealing because their qualities set them apart from ordinary people.

Napolean Dynamite, Elf, Best in Show, Waterboy

4. Style or Texture: a. The look of the film is the

dominant/most memorable aspect and makes a stronger impact on our minds/senses than any of the other elements.

b. A unique look, feel, rhythm, atmosphere, or tone echoes in our minds and senses long after we leave the theater.

c. The unique style/texture permeates the film (not just isolated segments) to the extent that all cinematic elements are woven together into one rich tapestry.

Nightmare Before Christmas, Moulin Rouge, The Illusionist, Up in the Air

Usually, all four elements are present, but one is

predominant.

Theme & Focus 1. What is the film’s primary focus: plot, emotional effect or mood, character, or style/texture?

2. On the basis of your decision, answer one of these questions. This should take you several paragraphs to complete.

a. If plot, summarize the action. (a summary is not a “play-by-play” of the movie) b. If mood or emotional effect, describe the mood or feeling that it attempts to convey. (provide at least five examples to support your choice) c. If focus on a unique character, describe the unusual aspects of his or her personality. (provide at least five examples to support your choice) d. If a unique style or texture, describe the qualities that contribute to the special look or feel of the film. (provide at least five examples to support your choice)

3. Write down one of the themes in the film a. Select and describe three events from the movie that support the theme you have chosen.

Thematic Elements The Blind Side- Worksheet