Film Style Exam

In the video embedded below, you will find six clips from six different films. Each clip is labeled with the film title and year of release. Your task is to determine where on the film style continuum you believe each film clip belongs. Your will be graded primarily on the rational portion of each response. Write your responses in a Googledoc and share the doc with your instructor. Each of the six sections should include the following information:

1. Film Title
2. Film Style Scale Ranking
3. Rational

Remember to refer to the notes from unit one of the class - cinematography, editing, sound, and mise en scene. This is the language you will use to craft your responses. Also, include rich, descriptive details in your responses.

Because this is an exam, you are expected to work on your own and not work with your peers. You may, however, research as much as you would like. If you use material from your research, you are expected to cite this information properly.

The exam is due to your instructor via shared Googledoc by class time Thursday, Nov. 13.

Keep in mind that your goal here is to prove to your instructor that you've been processing all the material we've been tackling in class. This is the real deal. Pounding this exam out in twenty minutes is not going to cut the mustard. You need to observe, think, and reflect.

See your instructor if you at any time have any questions.

Use the following diagram for reference when determining the film style scale ranking for each clip.

Examples of Formalism

A Quick Editing Examination

In the Blink of an Eye

Psycho Cinematic Breakdown

Check out these three scenes from Hitchcock's Psycho. Definitely not the most famous of shots from the film, but still pretty interesting in terms of cinematography.









I take it back. That last one is pretty famous.

Here's your task:

Watch all three clips. Select one that you'd like to write about.

Using the 'Cinematic Breakdown' forms, break the scene down - moment by moment, frame by frame. Identify all of the techniques of cinematography that are used in the clip. For each technique, (A) describe the shot in detail, and (B) explain in detail what effect the cinematic choice creates for the viewer.

Hints - Use your notes! Use the precise terms! Use details in your descriptions and explanations!

If you have any questions, feel free to address them in the comments section below. Remember, your objective here is to demonstrate an understanding of how filmmakers use cinematography to manipulate an audience.

Good Luck. Have fun.

Hitchcock Goes Psycho

Now that we've viewed Hitchcock's Psycho, read the article entitled "Alfred Hitchcock Goes Psycho." As you read your copy of the article, annotate it: underline or highlight interesting or compelling facts and ideas, and write in the margin questions that the article raises. That's step one. You will be graded on the thoroughness and thoughtfulness of your annotations. You may not be allowed to move one to step two if you have not completed step one. So ANNOTATE.

Step two: In the comments section below, post a perspective/reaction you have not just to the film, but to the article. Your post should be thoughtful and thorough, and grammar and spelling counts. Once you've posted your comment, you're ready for step three: extra credit. You may comment on your peers' responses as much as you'd like. Feel free to agree, disagree, build, re-direct, etc. Just keep it friendly.

Once again, we are conducting a discussion here. Ask questions. Respond to others. Respond to people who have responded to you. Etc.