Film+Techniques+in+Truman+Show

** // Truman Show // – Film Techniques **  Special features to consider when studying film: Films and other texts are similar in that they rely on narrative, characterisation and themes, values and ideas to make them compelling, interesting and, at times, powerful. However, there are a number of techniques specific to film which we must address in order to develop our understanding of // The Truman Show //  There are four main elements of film: ** // mise en scene, cinematography, editing and sound. // ** It is possible to analyse each element separately, however, once this is done, a more // insightful and complex analysis will explain how these elements combine to help create the film’s overall meaning. //  ** Mise en scene ** ** // Mise en scene means ‘staging an action.’ // **It refers to all the visual elements within the frame at any given point in the film. There are four elements of // mise en scene //: __setting, lighting, costumes and acting style.__   • __Setting__ - A film can be shot in a studio or on location, depending on the film’s budget and how natural or realistic the director wishes the film to look. Settings can also be used to advance the key values and ideas of a film-text.  • __Lighting__ - Depending on direction and intensity, lighting can illuminate one part of the set, or one actor more than others. It can also create mood, especially through the use of shadows and colour and also create a highly stylised or highly realistic look. (A good way to remember the importance of lighting is to consider the difference between lighting in a horror movie when a character is being stalked and lighting in a romantic drama or comedy when the two main characters are having a candle-lit dinner.)   • __Costumes__ - Include clothes worn by the actors, individual props (such as jewellery), make-up and hairstyle. Costuming is vitally important in a film. It can be heavily stylised or natural and realistic. Further, it can reveal and reflect a great deal about a character and their personality and outlook. Note that costume changes are often used as short-hand for changes in a character’s outlook or life circumstances.  • __Acting style__ - This includes facial expressions, gestures, tone of voice, pace of delivery, // but not the actual words spoken by the actor. // It is important not to underestimate the importance of acting style in contributing to the success of a film, particularly in the way the audience respond to, or relate to, the key characters. As with other elements of mise en scene acting can be stylised or realistic, depending on the aims and ideas of the text and director.  <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">** Cinematography ** <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">** Cinematography ** is the art of capturing images on film. The cinematographer uses all the resources of the camera to produce a varied and engaging film style that helps propel the narrative and reflect the aims, ideas and values of the text. <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;"> <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">Some of the key aspects of cinematography are: <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">** Camera distance ** <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">The different camera distances allow the audience’s attention to be focused on certain elements of the setting or on one or more characters. All of these distances are used with a certain effect in mind. <span style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt left 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;"> • ** close-up shot: **typically focuses on a person’s facial features and expression. Normally used at moments of high emotion or tension during the text <span style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt left 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;"> • ** medium shot: **shows people from the waist up with background details clearly visible; can show people close together. In dramas and other films focussing on human interaction, this is the most frequently used shot as it closely mirrors the field of sight of someone present in a scene or engaged in a conversation. <span style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt left 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;"> • ** medium long shot **: shows the whole body of a person and the surrounding setting: can show interactions between individuals and place them in context. ** long shot: ** people appear as smaller figures; gives a sense of the landscape or a city in which people live. <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">// NB: Due to the nature of surveillance carried out on Truman, the film plays with the conventions of camera distance. // <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;"> <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">** Camera angle ** <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">This refers to ** the direction in which a camera points **. Often camera angle contains meaning which is transmitted visually. <span style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt left 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;"> • ** straight-on shot: **the camera looks directly at a person or object. This angle most closely reflects our view of the world in which we live. It is unobtrusive and has the effect of drawing the viewer into the world of the film. As such, it is the most used angle. <span style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt left 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;"> • ** low angle shot: **the camera looks up. This can be used for the following effects among others - it can emphasise the height of a building or object, it can emphasise a character’s position of power, it can add to a feeling of dislocation or confusion. In dramas, low angle shots are usually used to emphasise power. <span style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt left 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;"> • ** high angle shot: **the camera looks down. In dramas, this angle is often used to emphasise a character’s weakness or submissive feelings. <span style="margin-left: 9.0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">// NB: Due to the nature of surveillance carried out on Truman, the film plays with the conventions of camera angle. // <span style="margin-left: 9.0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;"> <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;"> <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">** Camera movement ** <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">** The camera can move by rotating horizontally (a pan) or vertically (a tilt). **This allows the audience to follow a moving object or person from a fixed position, or to view the world of the film as if turning their heads to see everything. <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">** The whole camera can move or ‘track’ the action. ** This gives the viewer the sense of active involvement in the scene <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">** Hand-held cameras ** - when a hand-held camera is used, the unsteadiness of the image can produce an unsetlling effect, enhancing the tension or uncertainty in the narrative. <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;"> <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">** Editing ** <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">** Editing ** is the process of selecting the shots, and of joining them in a meaningful sequence. <span style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt left 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;"> • ** Crosscutting ** is an editing technique that allows a film to tell the stories of several characters. The editor crosscuts from one scene to another to allow tow or more storylines to be developed. <span style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt left 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;"> • ** Matching the scenes ** allows crosscuts to occur more seamlessly, encouraging the audience to see connections between the experiences of different characters. <span style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt left 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;"> • ** A montage sequence ** is a series of quick or still shots, often accompanied by music. It can depict a relatively long passage of time through a selection of images showing significant events in a character’s life. It can also portray a rapid series of thoughts and images passing through a character’s mind. (Doesn’t occur in // On the Waterfront //) <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;"> <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">** Sound ** <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">A film’s soundtrack has two main components: <span style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt left 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;"> • ** dialogue and sounds of actions ** (both seen and unseen), e.g. footsteps; a door being closed; traffic noise, natural phenomena such as rain, or birds etc. <span style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt left 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;"> • the ** music soundtrack ** which plays an important role in creating the mood or atmosphere for each scene and for a film as a whole. The music often has an emotional impact that complements the narrative, strongly affecting the audience’s response to characters and events. <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;"> <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">** Stylised vs Realism ** <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">In // The Truman Show // the director has tried to ensure that the film has an air and atmosphere of ‘realism’ mixed with a highly stylized presentation throughout. This is achieved in the following ways: <span style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt left 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;"> • Lighting – natural but also ‘bright’ <span style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt left 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;"> • Outdoor locations - Are ‘normal’ and ‘everyday’ – but are presented as the idea of perfection of ‘The American Dream’ <span style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt left 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;"> • Indoor settings - homes, offices etc. are not immaculate and are believable. Costuming - Characters appear to be not wearing much make-up thus achieving a natural look. Clothing worn by each character is understated and appropriate for his or her lifestyle – however, it is also highly stylized – harking back to a world that never existed. <span style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt left 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;"> • Sound - audible chatter from surrounding people and sounds of life etc. (obviously at times the use of music makes the film more stylised) <span style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt left 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;"> • Attitudes and speech patterns of the characters are natural but then have highly stylized and artificial moments (although language has been toned down). <span style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt left 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;"> • The acting is generally ‘low-key’ (with some notable exceptions). <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">// Why do you think the director has done this? // || || || || || || || || || || || || <span style="tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">
 * = Film technique = || ** Definition and purpose  ** || **  Example/s from movies you’ve seen  ** || **  Example/s from ‘The Truman Show’  ** ||
 * Long shots || Traditionally establish location and set context ||
 * Medium shots || Most common – show aspects of a scene (often reflect ‘real’ or eye-level view ||
 * Close-ups || Typically used during intimate moments between characters or to draw viewers attention to a detail. ||
 * Extreme close-ups || Typically used to show heightened emotion of characters or to draw viewer into detail. Often used at moments of tension or high impact. ||
 * Tracking and panning shots. || Camera moves across a scene or follows a character or moving object. Directs the audience to follow a specific course || || ||
 * Zoom shot || Isolates detail by ‘zeroing in’ from a long shot to a close up in one continuous movement. || || ||
 * Placement of camera – above character || Camera looks down upon a character. Often used to emphasise powerlessness etc. || || ||
 * Placement of camera – below character || Camera looks up at a character. Often used to make characters appear daunting or powerful. || || ||
 * Eye-level || Camera is placed at eye-level of characters or within a scene. Neutral positioning – draws viewer in as reflects natural view. || || ||
 * Framing || Positioning of characters and objects within picture. As with painting/photography often carries a subtext. || || ||
 * Lighting - Natural || Suggests reality and draws viewer into ‘reality’ of the film. ||
 * Lighting - Soft || Lighting gives image a ‘fuzzy’ quality. Often used for romantic or ‘heart-warming scenes. || || ||
 * Lighting - harsh || Lighting highlights contrasts imperfections etc. Often used to display moments of psychological instability or emphasise unattractiveness/unnaturalness of a character || || ||
 * Lighting - bright || Can often be celebratory. ||
 * Edting || The way in which each shot/scene is constructed and then juxtaposed with the next to create a meaningful sequence. Can be used to heighten emotion (quick editing), create sense of dislocation, suggest passing of time, controlling space. || || ||
 * Montage || A series of very short scenes or shots, often set to music – a rapid editing of images that form a kind of cinematic collage. Can be used as a method of juxtaposition or to tie together various narrative threads. || || ||
 * = Mise-en-scene = || A French term – refers to the visual and design elements of a film. Literally it is everything we see on the screen – locations, sets, background details, costumes, even the use of colour and lighting.
 * It has all been carefully selected and is encoded with meaning. THIS IS A TECHNICAL TERM – THEREFORE USE IT IN YOUR ESSAYS! ** || || ||