Notes from An Introduction to Film studies - Edited by Jill Nelmes

Nelmes Jill, 1996, An introduction to Film studies, Canada, Routledge

4. Film, form and narrative (Allan Rowe)

- Mise - en - scene - derived from the french term 'having been put into the scene', visual aspects put into a single shot
- elements needed by the camera, objects, movements, lighting, shadow, colour, etc
- setting - context of studio shooting
- Function to place performers with purpose creating own space and meaning
- props are important for conveying meaning and genre, scenes are constructed around a number of props to make them feel right
- Performance and movement - body language, part of language of the film that helps scenes to flow
- lighting intention to highlight where action, dialogue, etc but can also be characterised by it's absense
- Steadicam - opition of greater flexibility and choice - movement and angle, different ratios and variety of screen formats
- shots are perceived as naturalistic and replicate the natural movements of the eye
- Editing - combination of shots constructing a flowing film over time
- "New wave directors felt free to ignore these conventions if the viewer was able to identity the passing of time through what was happening in the narrative."
- establishing shot - a long shot allows spectator to become a part of the space of the scene
- 180 degree rule - an imaginary line between actors in conversation or direction of a chase
- 30 degree rule - successive shot in same area involving a 30 degree change in angle or substantial change in view point
- " Narrative involves the viewer in making sense of what is seen, asking questions of what we see, asking questions of what we see and ancipating the answers