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Fine Arts 

FILM-1070 Film and Culture 

In one of the first assignments given in this course we were required to find a film of our choosing and then analyze the opening scene one shot at a time.  For me this assignment took a great deal of time.  It was however fascinating!  There are tons of little tiny techniques and details that are used to set a specific mood in each shot.  The degree of talent required to prepare the set and portray a specific mood is incredible!  This assignment can be viewed in the attachment below and reveals the amazing talent of filmmakers! 

Reflection

When I signed up for this course I thought it would be an "easy A".   Although the class wasn't easy I don't feel that it was too hard either.  I am amazed at what it takes to produce a film.  It was especially interesting to realize and come to understand the techniques used by the filmmakers to influence the emotions and intellect of the audience.   I was enthralled as our instructor showed us a recording of the making of a commercial that he was acting in.  He pointed out and explained the jobs of all the people standing around.   It was very interesting to see how much organization and preparation goes into the filming of a commercial.  I can hardly imagine what it would take to do a full length film.  This course has given me a greater respect and appreciation for the people behind the scenes.  I love to watch movies!  I enjoy letting the film carry my emotions and have previously given most of the credit to the actors.  This course has opened my eyes and I can see better where to give the credit when I see a great film. 

After our first class I expected it to be difficult to separate my emotions from the film enough to analyze it.  I found this expectation to be true.  I'm still not good at analyzing films and have to re-watch the scenes in the film over again in order to pick it apart.  I am however getting better at it and can recognize what the director is doing much easier than I could at first.  It is exciting to recognize what the camera is doing and why it's doing it, to understand what's behind the choice of costume being worn by a character, or how the lighting is being used to set the mood!  As I expected, this class was "interesting, entertaining, and enlightening" and I have learned a great deal.