The most basic element of filmmaking is the shot, an uninterrupted run of the camera or an uninterrupted image on film. Though a scene might be made up of many shots, even an individual shot involves mise-en-scène, and the composition of a single shot can convey meaning. Writing about film involves translating the content of images into words. This week’s short writing assignment will allow you to start to develop your film vocabulary with a simple exercise, a detailed breakdown of a single shot from Roger Corman’s House of Usher.
Below you will find four individual shots taken from the film (Figures A-D). Begin by selecting one of these shots. Consider its visual elements as well as the composition of the image. What is the setting of the scene? How has the set been decorated? How has the scene been lit? How are the actors positioned in relation to each other, or in relation to the camera? How do costumes, props, colors, or space contribute to your impression of the image? In a short essay, present a detailed description of the shot that you have selected. Be as descriptive as possible with regard to specific elements. In addition to describing composition, the essay should indicate the way in which these visual elements contribute to the overall impression or meaning of the shot.
The finished essay must be two-pages in length, double spaced, and typed in 12-point Times New Roman font. The writing must be objective and adopt an academic tone. Be sure to establish the title of the film in the introduction and to refer to specific actors or characters by name. All assignments are to be cited and formatted in APA format.
Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!
Step 1: Choose Your Shot
- Start by reviewing the four shots provided from House of Usher. Choose the shot that you feel has the most visual elements that you can describe and analyze.
- Tip: Select a shot that speaks to you visually, whether due to its composition, lighting, or the actors’ positioning.
Step 2: Understand the Assignment
- The goal is to break down the composition of a single shot in House of Usher and explore how visual elements contribute to the overall meaning or tone of the scene.
- You will need to describe specific elements in detail (lighting, set design, costumes, props, actors’ positioning) and analyze how they contribute to the shot’s impact.
How to Structure Your Film Shot Analysis
Step 3: Write the Introduction
- Start by introducing the film, House of Usher, and providing context for the shot you’ve chosen.
- Example: “In the 1960s gothic horror film House of Usher, director Roger Corman employs specific visual elements to convey tension and unease. One shot in particular demonstrates the powerful use of mise-en-scène to evoke a sense of dread and isolation.”
Step 4: Detailed Description of the Shot
- Describe the setting:
- What is the physical environment? Is it indoors or outdoors? What is the mood of the setting?
- Example: “The shot takes place inside the decaying mansion of the Usher family. The room is dimly lit, with heavy drapery and a dark color palette that suggests age and neglect.”
- Analyze the lighting:
- Is the shot brightly lit or dark? How does the lighting affect the tone?
- Example: “The low-key lighting casts long shadows, heightening the sense of mystery and foreboding.”
- Describe the actors’ positions:
- Are the actors in close proximity to each other or apart? What is the body language or facial expression?
- Example: “The protagonist, Roderick Usher, is positioned near the center of the frame, his face partially obscured in shadows. His posture is tense, suggesting both physical and emotional restraint.”
- Analyze props, costumes, and colors:
- What is the significance of props or costumes in the shot? Do the colors evoke certain feelings or ideas?
- Example: “The dark, heavy furniture in the room creates a sense of confinement. Usher’s dark, tattered clothing further emphasizes his deteriorating mental state, mirroring the decaying surroundings.”
Step 5: Analyze the Overall Meaning of the Shot
- Reflect on how the visual elements you’ve described contribute to the meaning or impression of the shot.
- Example: “This shot emphasizes the isolation and madness of Roderick Usher. The dark lighting, the oppressive environment, and his tense body language all point to the psychological and emotional unraveling of the character. It visually conveys the theme of entrapment that runs throughout the film.”
Step 6: Writing the Conclusion
- Wrap up by summarizing how the shot contributes to the overall narrative or themes of the film.
- Example: “Through this shot, Corman uses composition and visual cues to enhance the horror elements of the film, portraying a character trapped both physically and mentally in his own deteriorating world.”
Step 7: Formatting Your Paper
- Be sure your paper is double-spaced, written in 12-point Times New Roman, and follows APA formatting.
- Include a title page with the film’s title, your name, and course information.
- Cite any sources or references used for your analysis in APA format.
Final Tip:
- Stay objective and analytical in your tone. Focus on describing the visual elements in detail and explaining their significance to the story or the themes of the film. The more specific you are in your description, the stronger your analysis will be!
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