Coursework Breakdown
The aim is to write a 1500 word motivated analysis of a short (preferably self-contained) sequence from a feature film of your choice.
Choose one or two micro elements to analyse in context of the sequence
You will need to ask questions of your extract such as: (not all of these questions will be relevant to you!)
It is a good idea to use ‘screen grabs’ to illustrate your analysis. However, screen grabs should not be merely decorative. You must explicitly reference each one and make it integral to your analysis. The example below shows composition, lighting & mise-en-scene.
Choose one or two micro elements to analyse in context of the sequence
- mise-en-scène
- performance
- cinematography
- editing
- sound
- Write your film title at the top of the page. Add the year the film was made in brackets.
- Add the timings from your chosen sequence. If there is a youtube link then add this.
- Paragraph 1: brief description of what your film is about. What genre does is it belong to? How do you know this? Mention the codes and conventions.
- Paragraph 2: Place the clip you have chosen within your film. Set the scene for what is about to happen. Explain why you chose this clip.
- Paragraph 3 and onwards: film analysis. You can analyse your chosen micro features separately and in chronological order. However you may find that the micro features you are studying are linked to create meaning so it may make sense to analyse them together.
You will need to ask questions of your extract such as: (not all of these questions will be relevant to you!)
- How does this sequence create suspense, interest etc?
- How does this sequence move me emotionally?
- Why do I identify strongly with a particular character?
- Why do I find the message(s) contained in this extract so powerful
- Does your understanding as spectator differ to what the director intended? How? Why? Why not?
- What were your expectations of this sequence? Why?
- What is happening to me when I watch this sequence? To what extent is this due to the micro-features?
It is a good idea to use ‘screen grabs’ to illustrate your analysis. However, screen grabs should not be merely decorative. You must explicitly reference each one and make it integral to your analysis. The example below shows composition, lighting & mise-en-scene.
Conclusion: Finish off your analysis with a short paragraph summing up what you have written. What was the purpose of the micro features used within this was clip. Were they a success in relation to you the audience?
- 1500 words is not a lot
- Choose no more than TWO micro elements
- Choose a short sequence (2-3 minutes max)
- Stay focused
- Depth rather than breadth
- Don’t go over or under 1500 words by more than 10%. (Yes, they may count them!)