2. WHAT IS “A WRITTEN ANALYSIS”?
Can be described as a “reading”.
It is a detailed study of one or more of the micro
aspects of a short extract of film.
The questions you need to ask of the extract is
how does it communicate with its audience and
what effect does it have on the spectator?
The purpose of the exercise is to gain an
understanding of the interaction between
spectator and film.
3. The analysis needs to be more than a
commentary.
You need to address the question of how the
strategies employed by the filmmaker impacts
on the spectator.
It is meant to be an exploration or investigation,
motivated by the specific knowledge you wish to
discover.
4. WHAT IS A MOTIVATED
ANALYSIS?
You need to ask questions of a film extract e.g.
How does the sequence create suspense?
How does the sequence move me emotionally?
How do I identify strongly with a particular character?
Why do I find the messages contained in the extract
so powerful?
The best analysis address the following:
The formal systems at work in the film that are likely
to produce a ‘preferred reading’.
Your own individual response to the extract
5. WHAT MICRO ELEMENTS CAN WE
STUDY?
MISE-EN-SCENE
PERFORMANCE
CINEMATOGRAPHY
EDITING
SOUND
You are expected to study two micro elements.
The word count is 1500 words +/- 10%
1350-1650 words.
