LOF - Module Overview

The Language of Film

Introduction

When studying film, it is important to be reminded that the purpose is to discern the composition of movies. The method of their creation resembles the art of writing and can lead to a better understanding of language. You will need to procure a copy of Citizen Kane. This film is widely regarded as one of the best films ever. It is not necessary that you agree with this assessment, but you should be able to defend an informed opinion.

Essential Questions

  1. How do images and film provide meaning beyond the written word?
  2. Why do books so often suffer in translation to film?
  3. What are the techniques employed by directors to communicate?

The Title Sequence

Much like writers will dwell on a title or expend an immense amount of creative energy crafting the opening sentence of a novel, filmmakers ponder the most effective beginning for their films. What we might call a prologue in a novel is called a title sequence in movies.

View the video below to see one of the most memorable title sequences in the history of film. 

 

Reading Assignment: "The Art of Film Title Design Throughout Cinema History" by Julia May

Click here to read "The Art of Film Title Design Throughout Cinema History." Links to an external site. This article presents a nice overview of the history and techniques involved in title sequences. Read this closely and examine whether this is an effective medium for this type of information.

Reading Assignment: "New Honor for the Designs That Get Movies Moving" by Michael Cieply

Click here to read "New Honor for the Designs That Get Movies Moving." Links to an external site. The title sequence is taking on a life of its own for the students of film. Recently, they have been recognized for their own merits.

The scrolling text receding into the galaxy has become an iconic image that conjures all of the Star Wars films. Yet, George Lucas borrowed this title sequence and much of the plot of the film from various sources. We tend to assume art springs from an original source, but there is truth in the axiom that "there is nothing new under the sun." View the video below to learn more.

In the video above, the narrator mentioned that George Lucas borrowed the narrative arc of Star Wars from the writings of Joseph Campbell. Campbell researched the elements of myths from cultures around the world and deciphered particular patterns that were repeated. This universal story relies on archetypes. Archetypes are the experiences and traits shared by all humanity. Before Campbell, the famous Swiss psychologist Carl Jung offered the theory that personalities were limited to a few types. Tests have been developed that use Jung's description. Let's test the theory.

Navigate to the following site and complete the test by answering simply yes or no to 72 questions. Be sure to record your results.

Click here to go to Jung's Typology Test Links to an external site..

Key Terms

  1. Cinematography: The art or technique of movie photography, including both the shooting and development of the film.
  2. Shot: A single cinematic take.
  3. Scene: A shot, or series of shots, in a movie constituting a unit of continuous related action.
  4. Sequence: Film consisting of a succession of related shots that develop a given subject in a movie.
  5. Critique: An article or essay criticizing a literary or other work; detailed evaluation; a review.
  6. Jargon: Terminology which is especially defined in relationship to a specific activity, profession, group, or event.
  7. Diegesis: The narrative world of the film.

RESOURCES IN THIS MODULE ARE OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER) OR CREATED BY GAVS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. SOME IMAGES USED UNDER SUBSCRIPTION.