Film Appreciation: Mise En Scene Assignment

Film Analysis: Mise en Scene Assignment

Scene. (1) A complete unit of action, capable of being covered in a single shot; (2) a significant dramatic action or interaction taking place in a single location; (3) the shot(s) in which a scene is presented. (Kawin 553).

For your first major project in Film Analysis you will present and analyze a scene from a film that you think is important, revolutionary, creative, exciting. This scene should be 2-4 minutes long and should be approved by Ms. Rodgers, Mr. Villarreal, or Ms. Romero.

In your presentation, include the following:  Introduce the film: When was it released? Who directed it? Why does it matter? Was it an audience favorite? What did critics say about it? Why did you choose it?  Set up the scene: Where does this scene fall in the plot of the film? Where are the characters in their development? What conflicts are present? Where is this scene located physically?  Discuss the characteristics of the film. What genre does this film fall into, if any? Is this the work of an auteur director? Is this scene a moment of greatness for any actors involved? Does it demonstrate a style or method of acting, or directing?  Discuss the artistry involved in creating this scene. Address as many of the following as you can in relation to your scene: setting, props, costumes, makeup, lighting, figure behavior (of the actors), art direction, dialogue, cinematography, camera angles, sound, special effects, etc. Carefully study your scene and plan your presentation so that you cover the most appropriate questions included above, and so that your presentation/analysis of the scene and screening of said scene have focus and coherence. Please work in groups of 3-4; I will allow time for you to collaborate and research during class. Your final presentation should take between 5-10 minutes. Please provide me with an outline of your presentation and be prepared to present on ______.

Kawin, Bruce F. How Movies Work. Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA: University of California Press, 1992.

Rubric/Checklist:

STRUCTURE/ORGANIZATION – 30%: Is there evidence of planning and preparation? Have you engaged the audience and maintained focus through clear language, visuals, humor, enthusiasm? Is your presentations appropriately paced? Does the presentation take within 5-10 minutes? Do you have your outline and presentation ready on Sept. 23?

KNOWLEDGE – 30% How well have you demonstrated familiarity with the scene, the film from which it derives, and the discipline of film studies? Is it clear that you have carefully watched the film and the scene and are aware of how this scene is characteristic of the film as a whole?

ANALYSIS OF THE SCENE – 40% Have you discussed setting, props, costumes, makeup, lighting, figure behavior, camera angles, color, light, blocking, casting, sound/sound editing, editing, symbolism, tone, special effects, etc.? Have you connected these observations about the elements of film to meaning/effect? How effectively have you convinced me of the purposes intended for the stylistic elements of this scene?