film movement and cutting film analysis part 2. dolly shots the camera is mounted on a device that...
TRANSCRIPT
Film Movement and Cutting
Film Analysis Part 2
Dolly ShotsThe camera is mounted on a device that has wheels and move on tracks.
Smooth, liquid feeling to the scene or sequence
Example: Touch of Evil
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8AXd1ayxrg (1:30-2:35)
Handheld Moves
A camera operator films the scene with a lightweight camera
If the filmmaker wants smooth handheld moves, he uses a Steadicam, which involves a gyroscope
Example: Cloverfield
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkFcHUvyJ-k (0:00-1:00)
Pans and TiltsPans: Mounted on a device such as a tripod, and operator rotates the camera to the left or right
Tilts: Mounted and operator tilts the camera up or down
Example: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VbAt7yDSKs&feature=fvwrel (0:00-0:50)
Circular Choreography
When the camera circles the actors that are interacting with one another
Usually makes the viewers feel uncomfortable, uneasy, or confused
Example: The Dark Knight (1:20-2:46)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFHccsaTakg
Ways to Capture Running on Camera
In film, there are various ways to capture an actor or a group of actors running on camera
Head-in
Pan
Lateral tracking
Frontal tracking
Rearward tracking
We will use Forrest Gump as an example for these types of tracking movement
Head-InActor runs toward a stationary camera and past it
Actor’s destination is unknown, creating curiosity
In this case, Forrest runs towards the camera and away from his followers as he decides to run back home
PanCamera pans as actor runs across the screen
Pan is meant to specify where the actor is running
In this scene, the camera pans as Forrest runs across the football field to score a touchdown
Lateral TrackingActor runs along side the camera, which is attached to a truck that moves with him/her
Meant to highlight the action of the actor rather than his or her surroundings
Can’t see where the actor came from or where he/she is going, just background
In this scene, camera tracks Forrest as he brakes his leg braces and runs from bullies. Audience is not aware of his destination.
Frontal TrackingCamera is mounted on the bed of a truck and pointed at Forrest as he runs towards it; camera keeps up with the actor
Frames vary from long shots to close-ups
Meant to raise suspense
In this scene, Forrest is running away from bullies
Rearward TrackingExact same as frontal tracking, except that the camera is placed behind the actor instead of in front of him or her while running
Meant to show how fast actor is running/ what obstacles lie ahead for the actor
In this scene, Forrest is running towards the Alabama marching band after scoring a touchdown
Check Point!An opening sequence that has nearly every shot, angle and movement (nearly)!
007: Casino Royale (2006)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZxNbAwY_rk
How many can you identify?
Cuts The manner in which filmmakers join together the various shots in a movie.
It affects the rhythm of the film and can serve to guide the audience through the film, making the connections that the director wants them to make
Example of a Cut: 2001: A Space Odyssey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrdCC9ZHhwY (0:00-0:15)
Compilation CuttingShots to illustrate the story that the narrator is telling
Film tied together more by the narration than the order and rhythm of the shots
Used in movie trailers a lot!
Example: Love Actually
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUoxXpqof8A
Continuity CuttingA filmmaker follows one person or a group of people continuously and details what happens to them
Example: Forrest Gump
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7voy1vit6Y (1:00-1:55)
Cross-CuttingCutting back and forth between two or more actions going on at the same time
Can build excitement and suspense
Example: Inception
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmptU7vEkNU
Cut InFlashes of cuts that seem to not relate to or contrast with the current sequence
Can be used to change emotion or foreshadow
Example: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw6GwhfNl7U (0:40-1:40)
Fade-Out and Fade-InFade Out: film screen gradually becomes black, changing the film’s rhythm
Fade-in: usually follows a fade-out. Leads to a different setting or scene. Can serve as an alert that a change in time or space is occurring.
Example: Django Unchained
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUdM9vrCbow
DissolvePoetic, soft shift between two scenes
Shots “melt” into one another
Softens the cut between two sequences
Example: The English Patient
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHFQAAhv_xI (1:00-1:16!!!!)
WipeOne shot pushes the preceding shot across the screen
Can move up, down, across or diagonally
Example: Star Wars: A New Hope
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5k-pFjm0sg
Checkpoint!
Opening sequence that has multiple changes in movement and cutting
Can you find them all?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhjDnrw34QA (0:35-4:29)