Principles of film theories
Before doing research on a couple of different theories, I decided to do research on the basic principles of film theories. In order to analyse a film, you need to keep two things on your mind. What is in the film and more importantly, how the film is portrayed. Some things to keep in mind would be the following:
- What type of theory are you looking at?
- Shots
- Angles
- Lighting
- Color
- Sound
- Editing
- Mise-en-Scene
Realism
Self Definition: A film which portrays or represents things or people in a method mimicking reality.
Realism Characteristics:
Realism characters may portray some of the following traits or qualities:
Realism characters may portray some of the following traits or qualities:
- The cast is usually unprofessional actors/actresses
- No special effects used throughout the movie
- The set is where you usually would find the props etc if your shooting in Starbucks, you have coffee.
- Minimal usage of editing techniques
- A lot of natural lighting used throughout shooting
- It is filmed in a documentary formation.
Examples of realism themed movies created in the 19th century and the 20th century:
- The Bicycle thief (1948)
- Once (2006)
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Classical
Self Definition: A film that contains elements of a traditional and long-established type of style.
Classical Characteristics:
Classical characters may portray some of the following traits or qualities:
Classical characters may portray some of the following traits or qualities:
- The cast is usually professional actors/actresses
- Almost no special effects are used but sometimes there is a minimal usage.
- There is usually a set location or set on studio pre-arranged for filming
- There is editing used for time-lapses
- Lighting and sounds are used in order to create a set mood
Examples of classical themed movies created in the 19th century and the 20th century:
- Citizen Kane (1941)
- Milk (2008)
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Formalism
Self Definition: A film that alters reality and shows the director's subjective experience.
Formalism Characteristics:
Formalism characters may portray some of the following traits or qualities:
Formalism characters may portray some of the following traits or qualities:
- They always cast professional actors/actresses
- They mostly rely heavily on special effects
- Editing is used to speed up or speed down the process
- The lighting and sounds help to create exaggeration
- There is a breakage in editing illusions of reality
Examples of formalism themed movies created in the 19th century and the 20th century:
The Seventh Seal (1958)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
The Seventh Seal (1958)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
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types of film shots
Extreme Close Up Shot (ECU):
Extreme close up shots usually gets into an angle capturing extreme detail of the person or object. An example I will use would be found in the picture on the left, the shot is used to help emphasize the tears streaming down her face.
Shots which just capture the eyes sometimes is refered to as the ''Italian Shot'' which originated from famous Italian-Western films created by Serigio Leone.
Extreme close up shots usually gets into an angle capturing extreme detail of the person or object. An example I will use would be found in the picture on the left, the shot is used to help emphasize the tears streaming down her face.
Shots which just capture the eyes sometimes is refered to as the ''Italian Shot'' which originated from famous Italian-Western films created by Serigio Leone.
Close Up Shot (CU):
Close up shots are standard shots taken that tightly frames a person or object. An example which I will use would be this actor on the right as we see this shot framed tightly which helps us relate to his emotions and reactions which he is trying to bring across even though we aren't fully aware of what the film is about and what he is doing, we get an idea that he may be looking for something due to the shot.
Close up shots are standard shots taken that tightly frames a person or object. An example which I will use would be this actor on the right as we see this shot framed tightly which helps us relate to his emotions and reactions which he is trying to bring across even though we aren't fully aware of what the film is about and what he is doing, we get an idea that he may be looking for something due to the shot.
Medium Shot (MS):
Medium shots are usually taken as a mid shot or from the waist and above from a medium distance. This generally shows more detail and depth regarding to the person or object. Movies usually use this shot as it helps the scenes to focus on the characters while still showcasing whats happening around them. This is why on the image on the left side, we can see his emotions while still seeing the marks on his body which throughout the film is a huge in symbolism.
Medium shots are usually taken as a mid shot or from the waist and above from a medium distance. This generally shows more detail and depth regarding to the person or object. Movies usually use this shot as it helps the scenes to focus on the characters while still showcasing whats happening around them. This is why on the image on the left side, we can see his emotions while still seeing the marks on his body which throughout the film is a huge in symbolism.
Full Shot (FS):
Full shots are angled in a way to see the person or object from head to toe. It uses the 4x3 aspect ratio but even then, we still witness little less around the object. This type of shot is usually seen more commonly during action and movement scenes as you get to physically witness them moving which unlike close up shots, you cant really connect to their emotions with a shot like this which is why it is not commonly used in the start of a movie.
Full shots are angled in a way to see the person or object from head to toe. It uses the 4x3 aspect ratio but even then, we still witness little less around the object. This type of shot is usually seen more commonly during action and movement scenes as you get to physically witness them moving which unlike close up shots, you cant really connect to their emotions with a shot like this which is why it is not commonly used in the start of a movie.
Long Shot (LS):
Long shots, which are sometimes known to be full shots or wide shots are used to show the entire person or object with the intent to get some background image to relate with it creating a more emotional response from audience members. This helps to show scenery and sets both the character and the scene in place since it is such an established shot.
Long shots, which are sometimes known to be full shots or wide shots are used to show the entire person or object with the intent to get some background image to relate with it creating a more emotional response from audience members. This helps to show scenery and sets both the character and the scene in place since it is such an established shot.
Extreme Long Shot (ELS):
Extreme long shots are images which are seen from a distance which is even further than long shots. People and objects in these type of films tend to look either shorter or even sometimes like small dots on the screen. This type of shot generally speaking is great for establishing a shot in terms of the place, the time and the emotion between the character and the environment.
Extreme long shots are images which are seen from a distance which is even further than long shots. People and objects in these type of films tend to look either shorter or even sometimes like small dots on the screen. This type of shot generally speaking is great for establishing a shot in terms of the place, the time and the emotion between the character and the environment.
Deep Focus Shot:
Deep focus shots is a cinematographic style/technique which is used while staging a scene in great depth as the director usually uses a wide-angled lens and small lens aperture which helps to render the sharp focus nearby and surrounding the person or object. The shots include middle-ground, foreground and extreme-background objects to be all in focus.
Deep focus shots is a cinematographic style/technique which is used while staging a scene in great depth as the director usually uses a wide-angled lens and small lens aperture which helps to render the sharp focus nearby and surrounding the person or object. The shots include middle-ground, foreground and extreme-background objects to be all in focus.
Over-The-Shoulder Shot (OTS):
Over the shoulder shots is quite commonly used. These type of shots is where the subject of interest is captured behind the shoulder of another character usually framed as either a close-up shot or medium shot. This is generally used to place a connection between the two speakers which cant be achieved with a single shot since it creates feelings of detachment or isolation since you don't see them close to each other.
Over the shoulder shots is quite commonly used. These type of shots is where the subject of interest is captured behind the shoulder of another character usually framed as either a close-up shot or medium shot. This is generally used to place a connection between the two speakers which cant be achieved with a single shot since it creates feelings of detachment or isolation since you don't see them close to each other.
American Shot:
American shots are generally taken from a medium-long angle. This means that the shot generally involves visibility of the knee to the head in a 3/4 wide shot angle. In films, these shots are usually seen when there is a group of friends all arranged in a way so they are equally as visible to the camera without one getting more head to body space than another character.
American shots are generally taken from a medium-long angle. This means that the shot generally involves visibility of the knee to the head in a 3/4 wide shot angle. In films, these shots are usually seen when there is a group of friends all arranged in a way so they are equally as visible to the camera without one getting more head to body space than another character.
Point-Of-View Shot (POV):
Point of view shots are usually shot film sequences where the director captures a shot of the object a character is looking at with the intent to mimic in an emotion which the audience may be feeling. This lets them experience a similar emotion state to what they are trying to act out which is represented through the camera. Examples of this would be looking through binoculars, a character waking up out of bed or drifting into unconsciousness.
Point of view shots are usually shot film sequences where the director captures a shot of the object a character is looking at with the intent to mimic in an emotion which the audience may be feeling. This lets them experience a similar emotion state to what they are trying to act out which is represented through the camera. Examples of this would be looking through binoculars, a character waking up out of bed or drifting into unconsciousness.
Broad range of different theories
In order to increase my knowledge of other types of film theories, I proceeded to research 4 different film theories including a film which I could watch to get a better understanding of what the theories represent.
marxist film theory
Self definition: This is a supporter of the political and economic aspects of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.
"The ideas, theories, and methods of Karl Marx; esp. the political and economic theories propounded by Marx together with Friedrich Engels, later developed by their followers to form the basis for the theory and practice of communism. Central to Marxist theory is an explanation of social change in terms of economic factors, according to which the means of production provide the economic base which determines or influences the political and ideological superstructure. The history of society can be viewed as showing progressive stages in the ownership of the means of production and, hence, the control of political power. Marx and Engles predicted the final revolutionary overthrow of capitalism by the proletariat and the eventual attainment of a classless communist society."
The Marxist Film Theory originated when the Marxist communists came to power from the Russian film industry following the Bolshevik revolution in 1917. It was Russian filmmakers, Sergei Eisentein, Vsecolod Pudovkin and Dziga Vertov who decided in 1920 to develop, promote and express the following:
- Identifying and describing the structural techniques the filmmaker uses to avoid biasing the film and manipulating audience members
- Evaluating how successful the attempt at an even-handed portrayal of the events has been.
- bisection of menial work on the fabrication of resources
- rank formation
- rapid pace of technological extemporization on the manner of fabrication
- product trade
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An example of a Marxist film would be 'Conversation Pierce' Which was released on December 10th in 1974 by an Italian director known as Lunchio Viscont. It was first published in an Italian cinema and it is all about an former American instructor who decided to settle in a Roman Palace.From there on, his life goes to the worst as he gets tormented by a lewd Italian marquise who made him lease a place for them on his mansion.
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Feminist film theory
Self definition: Criticism derived from social movements, feminist politics and objectification.
''Feminist film theory is a theoretical film criticism derived from feminist politics and feminist theory.Feminists have many approaches to cinema-analysis, regarding the film elements analyzed and their theoretical underpinnings.''
The Feminist Film Theory is a theory based on women’s roles and participation in different fields associated with the community and general society. In the 20th century our modern world today, the presences of women are extensively felt whether that's in politics, in Dramas, in Science, in Literature, in Arts, in Politics, in the Governance and even in Films. This influence began from the early centuries of television productions and cinemas. An example of this would be Elizabeth Montgomery who we may recognize from the comedy bewitched. She was loved and admired by many due to the sitcom role she had.
Feminist Film Theory is about theoretical film criticisms which is created by feminist politics and governed theories from second wave feminists. They concentrated on how audience members from the public judged women on their attitudes, scenarios and characteristics portrayed from their roles.
Feminist Film Theory is about theoretical film criticisms which is created by feminist politics and governed theories from second wave feminists. They concentrated on how audience members from the public judged women on their attitudes, scenarios and characteristics portrayed from their roles.
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An example of a feminist film would be 'The Iron Lady' which stands for a typical British nickname used to describe female heads of government around the world which in shot stands for 'strong-willed woman.' Created in 2011 which is a biographical British-French drama film based on Margaret Thatcher. She was a the first ever British stateswoman and politician from 1925 till 2011 and was best know for the length she served as the prime minister for the United Kingdom in the 20th century.
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post-modern film theory
Self definition: Something that comes later than something which is considered to be modern.
"The state, condition, or period subsequent to that which is modern; spec. in architecture, the arts, literature, politics, etc., any of various styles, concepts, or points of view involving a conscious departure from modernism, esp. when characterized by a rejection of ideology and theory in favour of a plurality of values and techniques"
The Post-Modern theory began in order to offer a new outlook to the modernist concept. In general, it was criticized on the basis o self reference but it helps to release undermining concepts back into movies such as creativity and freedom. It assisted in the introduction of aesthetic appeals and it is what aided the completion of the modernist movement.
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An example of an Post-Modern film would be 'Blue Velvet' which was created in 1986 by David Lynch which was a dark thrilling movie which took part in a small town found within North Carolina. Its about college students who run into riddles which they try to unravel in order to understand the mystery's found in the town. As he digs deeper to know more, he ends up discovers a memorably mind-boggling and alarming real, so he ventures to solve this mystery.
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AUteur film theory
Self definition: Originates from film directors who influences their films ranking them as their own author.
"A film director whose personal influence and artistic control over his or her films are so great that he or she may be regarded as a body of work, sharing common themes or techniques and expressing an individual style or vision."
The auteur film theory is based on the reconfiguration of rambling theories which evolves a white-collar motion picture production. In 1943, 'Cahier du cinema' was published by Adrin Bazin which translates to Notebook on Cinema that ''Directors are the authors of the film and should create their own signature style and not be totally influenced by the script given.'' This basically means that the film reflects on whatever the director's personal ideas desire. It was believed that the theory meant bad directors could make good films and vice versa for good directors. It is believed that if the director believes in himself to create a specific piece, he will be able to do it unlike if he was overwhelmed by the ideas brought by the author.
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An example of an Amateur film would be 'The Blaire Witch Project' as the found footage format in the film received praises from international film antics and even critics. Created in 1999 by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez, its a horror film which was documented by 3 college students on a witch hunt. They go around town trying to unravel secrets about the witch but they realized once they went too far they cannot come back so they are afraid of their lives.
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MAIN SITES USED FOR RESEARCH:
https://www.slideshare.net/pturner1010/marxist-film-theory
https://mistahsaxton.weebly.com/marxist-theory.html
http://filmtheory.org/feminist-film-theory/
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/the-iron-lady
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Iron_Lady_(film)
https://mistahsaxton.weebly.com/marxist-theory.html
https://www.slideshare.net/simonwright85/auteur-theory-fd-a-year-1
https://www.mediacollege.com/video/shots/extreme-closeup.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Close-up
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medium_shot
https://www.mediacollege.com/video/shots/full-shot.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_shot
https://filmglossary.ccnmtl.columbia.edu/term/deep-focus/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_shot
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point-of-view_shot
filmtheory.org/list-of-theories/
https://www.slideshare.net/jejohnston/principles-of-film-theory
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/video/tips-and-solutions/filmmaking-101-camera-shot-types
https://mistahsaxton.weebly.com/marxist-theory.html
http://filmtheory.org/feminist-film-theory/
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/the-iron-lady
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Iron_Lady_(film)
https://mistahsaxton.weebly.com/marxist-theory.html
https://www.slideshare.net/simonwright85/auteur-theory-fd-a-year-1
https://www.mediacollege.com/video/shots/extreme-closeup.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Close-up
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medium_shot
https://www.mediacollege.com/video/shots/full-shot.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_shot
https://filmglossary.ccnmtl.columbia.edu/term/deep-focus/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_shot
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point-of-view_shot
filmtheory.org/list-of-theories/
https://www.slideshare.net/jejohnston/principles-of-film-theory
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/video/tips-and-solutions/filmmaking-101-camera-shot-types