Select a sequence from one film discussed in Modules 1 and 2 of the unit (see Detailed Tutorial Schedule below)and offer an analysis of the function of ‘film form’ within the sequence. While a film sequence is relatively open as a descriptive category, I encourage you to limit the sequence to a manageable duration.
For your analysis, please make sure you use a clip from one of the feature film screenings on the course: _The Cabinet of Dr Caligari_, _Casablanca_
Please do NOT use a clip from the archive of film clips on Blackboard. These are off limits for this first assessment.
In your analysis, you may wish to consider the following formal film elements:
1.The Shot as film unit (Bordwell and Thompson, Chapters 4 and 5).
A film sequence is a collection of shots strategically set in relation to each other. Prior to embarking on your written analysis, you should view your sequence as a breakdown of individual shots. Consider how these shots impact on the sequence as a whole.
Within the shot, you may choose to consider mise en scène (‘in the frame’) and cinematography (including lighting, position and movement of the camera, and duration).
2.Montage (Bordwell and Thompson, Chapter 6).
In Bordwell and Thompson, the concept of montage (shots in relation to each other) is covered under “The Relation of Shot to Shot”. What is the ‘montage strategy’ employed in the sequence you have chosen? Is the sequence founded upon a series of shots building ‘continuity’, ‘discontinuity’ or a combination of the two? And what is the effect of this series of cuts within your chosen sequence? To take an example, what is the effect/function of the ‘jump cut’ in an early sequence in Godard’s À Bout de Souffle [Breathless], examined in week 10?
3.Sound (Bordwell and Thompson, Chapter 7)
Consider the effect of diegetic and non-diegetic sound in your sequence. In what way does sound work with (or even against) the visual field? What is the overall effect of sound on your engagement with the sequence as a whole? Can sound enhance the function of visual formal elements? Can sound work autonomously – that is, can its function ever be separated from the visual image of film?
4.Narrative (Bordwell and Thompson, Chapter 3).
Mainstream film has evolved primarily as a narrative form. However, narrative is more than simply ‘story and character’. In your analysis, consider the how of storytelling. How does your sequence reveal a ‘narrational strategy’ above and beyond story, character and theme? How is this story being told to us? And what is the purpose of this mode of storytelling?
In this assessment, you may build on your sequence analysis by strategically drawing on topics discussed in Module 2: film sound, film genre, auteur cinema, film and ideology, new digital cinema, etc. However, your sequence analysis should draw on and identify formal elements outlined above: ‘the shot’, ‘montage’, ‘sound’, and ‘narrative’, exploring their function as formal strategies in production, and their effect on on the spectator. For an example of a formal examination of a sequence, see my analysis of a scene in Hitchcock’s Vertigo, in the ‘Film Clips Archive’ in Blackboard.
Our Service Charter
-
Excellent Quality / 100% Plagiarism-Free
We employ a number of measures to ensure top quality essays. The papers go through a system of quality control prior to delivery. We run plagiarism checks on each paper to ensure that they will be 100% plagiarism-free. So, only clean copies hit customers’ emails. We also never resell the papers completed by our writers. So, once it is checked using a plagiarism checker, the paper will be unique. Speaking of the academic writing standards, we will stick to the assignment brief given by the customer and assign the perfect writer. By saying “the perfect writer” we mean the one having an academic degree in the customer’s study field and positive feedback from other customers. -
Free Revisions
We keep the quality bar of all papers high. But in case you need some extra brilliance to the paper, here’s what to do. First of all, you can choose a top writer. It means that we will assign an expert with a degree in your subject. And secondly, you can rely on our editing services. Our editors will revise your papers, checking whether or not they comply with high standards of academic writing. In addition, editing entails adjusting content if it’s off the topic, adding more sources, refining the language style, and making sure the referencing style is followed. -
Confidentiality / 100% No Disclosure
We make sure that clients’ personal data remains confidential and is not exploited for any purposes beyond those related to our services. We only ask you to provide us with the information that is required to produce the paper according to your writing needs. Please note that the payment info is protected as well. Feel free to refer to the support team for more information about our payment methods. The fact that you used our service is kept secret due to the advanced security standards. So, you can be sure that no one will find out that you got a paper from our writing service. -
Money Back Guarantee
If the writer doesn’t address all the questions on your assignment brief or the delivered paper appears to be off the topic, you can ask for a refund. Or, if it is applicable, you can opt in for free revision within 14-30 days, depending on your paper’s length. The revision or refund request should be sent within 14 days after delivery. The customer gets 100% money-back in case they haven't downloaded the paper. All approved refunds will be returned to the customer’s credit card or Bonus Balance in a form of store credit. Take a note that we will send an extra compensation if the customers goes with a store credit. -
24/7 Customer Support
We have a support team working 24/7 ready to give your issue concerning the order their immediate attention. If you have any questions about the ordering process, communication with the writer, payment options, feel free to join live chat. Be sure to get a fast response. They can also give you the exact price quote, taking into account the timing, desired academic level of the paper, and the number of pages.