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Concept
Film analysis
Summary
Film analysis is the process by which a film is analyzed in terms of mise-en-scène, cinematography, sound, and editing. One way of analyzing films is by shot-by-shot analysis, though that is typically used only for small clips or scenes. Film analysis is closely connected to film theory.
Authors suggest various approaches to film analysis. Jacques Aumont and Michel Marie in their publication 'Analysis of Film' propose key points regarding film analysis. (1) There is a general method of film analysis, (2) film analysis can never be concluded, as there will always be something more to explore and (3) it is necessary for one to have knowledge about film history to perform a film analysis. They recognize various types of approach: (1) Text-based film analysis (structural approach), (2) topic-based analysis (narrative approach), (3) picture and sound approach (iconic analysis), (4) psychoanalytical and (5) historical approach.
Another methodology is suggested by Thomas and Vivian Sobchack in their publication 'Introduction to film'. They suggest a viewer can observe the following elements: (1) analysis of film space, (2) analysis of film time and (3) film sound. As they focus mainly on iconic aspects of film, they further propose additional elements: the image, tone, composition and movement.
Iconic analysis deals with or picture, and sometimes also film sound. In iconic analysis we try to understand how different pictorial elements convey the meaning of film. There are several examples in film history where image was even more than just a key element of film (i.e. pre WWII avant-garde films, Italian neorealism, film noir, etc.). However, today, in most narrative films (Fictional film) we try to hide pictorial elements from audience and mask them behind the story. In such films it is usually difficult to analyze image as such. We therefore more often tend to observe various other elements like light, camera movement (see Cinematography), composition etc. and try to understand how these elements influence or cross-reference other elements of film, like story, mood etc.
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