The most basic element of filmmaking is the shot, an uninterrupted run of the camera or an uninterrupted image on film. Though a scene might be made up of many shots, even an individual shot involves mise-en-scène, and the composition of a single shot can convey meaning. Writing about film involves translating the content of images into words. This week’s short writing assignment will allow you to start to develop your film vocabulary with a simple exercise, a detailed breakdown of a single shot from Roger Corman’s House of Usher.
Below you will find four individual shots taken from the film (Figures A-D). Begin by selecting one of these shots. Consider its visual elements as well as the composition of the image. What is the setting of the scene? How has the set been decorated? How has the scene been lit?
How are the actors positioned in relation to each other, or in relation to the camera?
How do costumes, props, colors, or space contribute to your impression of the image? In a short essay, present a detailed description of the shot that you have selected. Be as descriptive as possible with regard to specific elements. In addition to describing composition, the essay should indicate the way in which these visual elements contribute to the overall impression or meaning of the shot.
The finished essay must be two-pages in length, double spaced, and typed in 12-point Times New Roman font. The writing must be objective and adopt an academic tone. Be sure to establish the title of the film in the introduction and to refer to specific actors or characters by name. All assignments are to be cited and formatted in APA format.
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| topic title | academic level | Writer | delivered |
|---|---|---|---|
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