Film Analysis: The Blind Side

Summary

  • I chose the blind side because it is a football movie and I love football
  • DELETE ALL OF MR. LE DUC’s ALL UPPERCASE INSTRUCTIONS ABOVE

Film Analysis

Film TitleThe Blind Side
Year2009
DirectorJohn Lee Hancock
CountryUSA
GenreSports
If you could work on this film (change it), what would you change and why?Nothing, it is great

Film information can be found at imdb.com

As you view films, consider how the cuts, camera angles, shots, and movement work to create particular meanings. Think about how they establish space, privilege certain characters, suggest relationships, and emphasize themes. In addition to shot distances, angles, editing, and camera movement, note details of the narrative, setting, characters, lighting, props, costume, tone, and sound.

Ask yourself the following questions:

TOPICYOUR NOTES
1. Who is the protagonist?Big Mike
2. Who is the antagonist?His past life
3. What is the conflict?He is trying to make it to college football out of the hood
4. What is the theme or central, unifying concept? (summarize in one or two words)Perseverance
5. How is the story told (linear, non-linear, with flashbacksflash-forwards, at regular intervals)regular intervals
6. What “happens” in the plot (Brief description)?He makes it out of the hood to the NFL
7. How does the film influence particular reactions on the part of viewers (sound, editing,
characterization, camera movement, etc.)? Why does the film encourage such
reactions?
It shows how sad and bad the hood was for him and how it affected him
8. Is the setting realistic or stylized? What atmosphere does the setting suggest? Do particular objects or settings serve symbolic functions?Realistic because it shows what the hood is like
9. How are the characters costumed and made-up? What does their clothing or makeup reveal about their social standing, ethnicity, nationality, gender, or age? How do costume and makeup convey character?They are dressed up normally
10. How does the lighting design shape our perception of character, space, or mood?Most of it is natural light so it shows the faces expressions
11. How do camera angles and camera movements shape our view of characters or spaces? What do you see cinematically?It shows it from a close up a lot to see expressions
12. What is the music’s purpose in the film? How does it direct our attention within the image? How does it shape our interpretation of the image? What stands out about the music?The music is used to create suspense or sadness
13. How might industrial, social, and economic factors have influenced the film? Describe how this film influences or connects to a culture?He goes from a poor family to a super rich family
14. Give an example of what a film critic had to say about this film. Use credible sources and cite sources.Example: “The Shawshank Redemption Movie Review (1994) | Roger Ebert.” All Content. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2015.A film critic from rotten tomatoes said it was ” one of the most influential sports films ever”
15. Select one scene no longer than 5 minutes that represents well the whole film and shows relevant cinematic elements. Write a one-sentence description of the scene and record the time of the scene.Example: from 1:05:00 to 1:10:00.Explain why you chose this scene.About 25 minutes in he is picked up by the rick family while walking home and he spends the night at their house and his journey with them begins
16. In the selected scenewrite a sentence for each of the elements below to justify why this scene best represents the film:
a. Screenwriting:The family was super nice and welcoming
b. Sound Design:Big Mike was very quiet when asked to come with them
c. Camera Movements/Angles:The angles show the sadness in his face
d. Light Setup:It was very dark because it was at night
e. Soundtrack/Score:There was no music added
18. What’s the socio-cultural context of this film?
That you can make it out the hood if you work hard

60 Second Film: Feeding The Dogs

Summary: This is the process of me feeding my two dogs, Mac, the chocolate lab (9), and Jax, the silver lab (1).

Description:

This is what I do almost every day when I feed my dogs. I grab the bowls, give them the amounts of food they need, and I give Mac her food first because she is the oldest and get special privileges. Then I give Jax his food. Takes them about under a minute to finish.

Feedback

Should I have used music or no music?

The music sounded good besides when it got compressed, was a tad bit long also

Should I have used different angles?

Nobody really said anything about the angles but someone said that I could have changed up the transitions.

Film Analysis: WONDER

Summary

  • I chose this film because it is my favorite book of all time

Film Analysis

Film TitleWONDER
Year2018
DirectorStephen Chbosky
CountryUSA
GenreChildrens film
If you could work on this film (change it), what would you change and why?Nothing, it is great

Ask yourself the following questions:

TOPICYOUR NOTES
1. Who is the protagonist?August Pullman
2. Who is the antagonist?Julian Albans
3. What is the conflict?August has a messed up face and has to go through life looking different
4. What is the theme or central, unifying concept? (summarize in one or two words)Be kind to others
5. How is the story told (linear, non-linear, with flashbacksflash-forwards, at regular intervals)regular intervals
6. What “happens” in the plot (Brief description)?August joins a new school after being home schooled all his life and has to adjust to new beginnings
7. How does the film influence particular reactions on the part of viewers (sound, editing,
characterization, camera movement, etc.)? Why does the film encourage such
reactions?
The emotions showed through the family and the hardships shows the love between all of them.
8. Is the setting realistic or stylized? What atmosphere does the setting suggest? Do particular objects or settings serve symbolic functions?It is realistic because cleft palate is a real thing
9. How are the characters costumed and made-up? What does their clothing or makeup reveal about their social standing, ethnicity, nationality, gender, or age? How do costume and makeup convey character?They are dressed in normal clothes
10. How does the lighting design shape our perception of character, space, or mood?When they are inside it is dark most of the time.
11. How do camera angles and camera movements shape our view of characters or spaces? What do you see cinematically?The camera angles show different reactions
12. What is the music’s purpose in the film? How does it direct our attention within the image? How does it shape our interpretation of the image? What stands out about the music?There isn’t a whole lot of music
13. How might industrial, social, and economic factors have influenced the film? Describe how this film influences or connects to a culture?Being different can throw people off. They either can be very rude about it or nice.
14. Give an example of what a film critic had to say about this film. Use credible sources and cite sources.Example: “The Shawshank Redemption Movie Review (1994) | Roger Ebert.” All Content. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2015.It got an 85% rotten tomato rate
15. Select one scene no longer than 5 minutes that represents well the whole film and shows relevant cinematic elements. Write a one-sentence description of the scene and record the time of the scene.Example: from 1:05:00 to 1:10:00.Explain why you chose this scene.About 45 minutes into the movie, August takes a tour of the school. Julian is one of the tour guides and makes fun of his face, setting the tone of the rest of the film.
16. In the selected scenewrite a sentence for each of the elements below to justify why this scene best represents the film:
a. Screenwriting:The script shows the evil in some people
b. Sound Design:There isn’t anything special. Just them talking
c. Camera Movements/Angles:They are at a mid close up to the characters
d. Light Setup:They are inside a class room. Normal lighting
e. Soundtrack/Score:There is no music in this scene
18. What’s the socio-cultural context of this film?
That you should always be nice to someone, no matter how different they are.

Film Analysis: Toy Story 3

Summary

  • Toy Story 3 is about a young man who is leaving for college and feels like he is too old for the toys he played with as a young boy so he gives them to a day care center.

Film Analysis

Film TitleToy Story 3
Year2010
DirectorLee Unkrich
CountryUSA
GenreComedy
If you could work on this film (change it), what would you change and why?It is perfect

Film information can be found at imdb.com

As you view films, consider how the cuts, camera angles, shots, and movement work to create particular meanings. Think about how they establish space, privilege certain characters, suggest relationships, and emphasize themes. In addition to shot distances, angles, editing, and camera movement, note details of the narrative, setting, characters, lighting, props, costume, tone, and sound.

Ask yourself the following questions:

TOPICYOUR NOTES
1. Who is the protagonist?Woody and Buzz Lightyear
2. Who is the antagonist?Lots-o the bear
3. What is the conflict?Lots-o trys to get all the toys thrown away and destroyed
4. What is the theme or central, unifying concept? (summarize in one or two words)Give your toys to someone who will like them
5. How is the story told (linear, non-linear, with flashbacksflash-forwards, at regular intervals)regular intervals
6. What “happens” in the plot (Brief description)?The toys are eventually forced into the garbage shoot and have to make their way out
7. How does the film influence particular reactions on the part of viewers (sound, editing,
characterization, camera movement, etc.)? Why does the film encourage such
reactions?
There are many different emotions shown in the toys with noises and facial expressions
8. Is the setting realistic or stylized? What atmosphere does the setting suggest? Do particular objects or settings serve symbolic functions?Stylized because it is animated and toys can’t talk
9. How are the characters costumed and made-up? What does their clothing or makeup reveal about their social standing, ethnicity, nationality, gender, or age? How do costume and makeup convey character?They are costumed in what type of toy they are. For example, woody is a cowboy. So he is wearing cowboy boots and a leather jacket.
10. How does the lighting design shape our perception of character, space, or mood?The lighting didn’t make a huge difference because it is animated.
11. How do camera angles and camera movements shape our view of characters or spaces? What do you see cinematically?The angles really portray the emotions of the toys.
12. What is the music’s purpose in the film? How does it direct our attention within the image? How does it shape our interpretation of the image? What stands out about the music?To create worrisome in the viewers
13. How might industrial, social, and economic factors have influenced the film? Describe how this film influences or connects to a culture?There aren’t really any cultural factors because it is a film that is so unrealistic
14. Give an example of what a film critic had to say about this film. Use credible sources and cite sources.Example: “The Shawshank Redemption Movie Review (1994) | Roger Ebert.” All Content. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2015.It got a 98% on rotten tomatoes
15. Select one scene no longer than 5 minutes that represents well the whole film and shows relevant cinematic elements. Write a one-sentence description of the scene and record the time of the scene.Example: from 1:05:00 to 1:10:00.Explain why you chose this scene.About 30 minutes in is when the toys get shipped off to the day care center. This is the turning point in the movies because it is the start to the end of the toys and their time with Andy.
16. In the selected scenewrite a sentence for each of the elements below to justify why this scene best represents the film:
a. Screenwriting:The script and wording really shows how disappointed the toys were that they weren’t going to be with Andy anymore
b. Sound Design:The music creates a sadness within the viewer
c. Camera Movements/Angles:The camera zooms into Woodys face to show the sadness
d. Light Setup:They are in a box so it is pretty dark
e. Soundtrack/Score:The soundtrack really makes it a sad scene
18. What’s the socio-cultural context of this film?That you should always appreciate the time you have with people.

Film Analysis: Finding Nemo

Film Analysis

Film TitleFinding nemo
Year2003
DirectorAndrew Stanton
CountryUSA
GenreComedy-Thriller
If you could work on this film (change it), what would you change and why?Nothing, it is great

Film information can be found at imdb.com

As you view films, consider how the cuts, camera angles, shots, and movement work to create particular meanings. Think about how they establish space, privilege certain characters, suggest relationships, and emphasize themes. In addition to shot distances, angles, editing, and camera movement, note details of the narrative, setting, characters, lighting, props, costume, tone, and sound.

Ask yourself the following questions:

TOPICYOUR NOTES
1. Who is the protagonist?Marlin and Nemo
2. Who is the antagonist?The dentist
3. What is the conflict?The dentist has captured nemo for a gift to his niece
4. What is the theme or central, unifying concept? (summarize in one or two words)A frightening animated thriller
5. How is the story told (linear, non-linear, with flashbacksflash-forwards, at regular intervals)regular intervals
6. What “happens” in the plot (Brief description)?Marlin and Dory try and get to Australia through the sea to get nemo back
7. How does the film influence particular reactions on the part of viewers (sound, editing,
characterization, camera movement, etc.)? Why does the film encourage such
reactions?
The animations in the film show worrisome through characters faces
8. Is the setting realistic or stylized? What atmosphere does the setting suggest? Do particular objects or settings serve symbolic functions?it is an animated film so no
9. How are the characters costumed and made-up? What does their clothing or makeup reveal about their social standing, ethnicity, nationality, gender, or age? How do costume and makeup convey character?They are all fish
10. How does the lighting design shape our perception of character, space, or mood?It is dark because most of the movie is in the ocean
11. How do camera angles and camera movements shape our view of characters or spaces? What do you see cinematically?Most camera angle are pretty close to the cahracters
12. What is the music’s purpose in the film? How does it direct our attention within the image? How does it shape our interpretation of the image? What stands out about the music?The music makes it more suspenseful and scary
13. How might industrial, social, and economic factors have influenced the film? Describe how this film influences or connects to a culture?Not any factors because it is animated
14. Give an example of what a film critic had to say about this film. Use credible sources and cite sources.Example: “The Shawshank Redemption Movie Review (1994) | Roger Ebert.” All Content. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2015.99% rotten tomato rate
15. Select one scene no longer than 5 minutes that represents well the whole film and shows relevant cinematic elements. Write a one-sentence description of the scene and record the time of the scene.Example: from 1:05:00 to 1:10:00.Explain why you chose this scene.Once again we dont have the movie anymore but it is 20 minutes in when nemo goes off into the deep end and gets taken in a net by a scuba diver.
16. In the selected scenewrite a sentence for each of the elements below to justify why this scene best represents the film:
a. Screenwriting:Lots of screaming and panic
b. Sound Design:The music makes it way more suspenseful
c. Camera Movements/Angles:It shows an upward angle to show that nemo is being taken out of the water
d. Light Setup:THe light gets brighter as they go to the surface
e. Soundtrack/Score:The music makes it very scary
18. What’s the socio-cultural context of this film?That you should always be careful when you are alone

This worksheet was developed with ideas from many IB Film teachers, thus should remain in the Creative Commons

Film Analysis: Forrest Gump

Summary

  • Forrest gump is a movie all about his life. He is a weird but very interesting guy.

Film Analysis

Film TitleForrest Gump
Year1984
DirectorRobert Zemckis
CountryUSA
GenreComedy-Drama
If you could work on this film (change it), what would you change and why?Nothing, It is my favorite move of all time

Film information can be found at imdb.com

As you view films, consider how the cuts, camera angles, shots, and movement work to create particular meanings. Think about how they establish space, privilege certain characters, suggest relationships, and emphasize themes. In addition to shot distances, angles, editing, and camera movement, note details of the narrative, setting, characters, lighting, props, costume, tone, and sound.

Ask yourself the following questions:

TOPICYOUR NOTES
1. Who is the protagonist?Forrest Gump
2. Who is the antagonist?The hardships in his life
3. What is the conflict?Everything he goes through
4. What is the theme or central, unifying concept? (summarize in one or two words)Life story
5. How is the story told (linear, non-linear, with flashbacksflash-forwards, at regular intervals)Flashbacks
6. What “happens” in the plot (Brief description)?He is talking to people at the bus stop about his life
7. How does the film influence particular reactions on the part of viewers (sound, editing,
characterization, camera movement, etc.)? Why does the film encourage such
reactions?
There were many emotions showed during the film by different sounds
8. Is the setting realistic or stylized? What atmosphere does the setting suggest? Do particular objects or settings serve symbolic functions?It is realistic because it is based off of a normal life setting
9. How are the characters costumed and made-up? What does their clothing or makeup reveal about their social standing, ethnicity, nationality, gender, or age? How do costume and makeup convey character?They are costumed in the way fashion was based in the timeline of the flashback
10. How does the lighting design shape our perception of character, space, or mood?The lighting looked very natural
11. How do camera angles and camera movements shape our view of characters or spaces? What do you see cinematically?THe camera angle didn’t really change anything.
12. What is the music’s purpose in the film? How does it direct our attention within the image? How does it shape our interpretation of the image? What stands out about the music?There isn’t any music in the film.
13. How might industrial, social, and economic factors have influenced the film? Describe how this film influences or connects to a culture?It just shows the life of forrest and what he had to go through
14. Give an example of what a film critic had to say about this film. Use credible sources and cite sources.Example: “The Shawshank Redemption Movie Review (1994) | Roger Ebert.” All Content. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2015.It was given a 95% popcorn score on rotten tomatoes.
15. Select one scene no longer than 5 minutes that represents well the whole film and shows relevant cinematic elements. Write a one-sentence description of the scene and record the time of the scene.Example: from 1:05:00 to 1:10:00.Explain why you chose this scene.The very first scene. It is the beginning of him telling about his life.
16. In the selected scenewrite a sentence for each of the elements below to justify why this scene best represents the film:
a. Screenwriting:The script is just a normal conversation with some narration within it.
b. Sound Design:There is some white noise in the background when nobody is talking to add some effect
c. Camera Movements/Angles:There weren’t to many special angles shown in the film.
d. Light Setup:The light setup made it look like natural light the entire time
e. Soundtrack/Score:There wasn’t much music or none at all.
18. What’s the socio-cultural context of this film?It shows that no matter how weird someone may be that they can have a normal life and do normal things.

This worksheet was developed with ideas from many IB Film teachers, thus should remain in the Creative Commons

Film Analysis: Die Hard

Summary

This film is about how a group of German men try to overtake a business building in a heist, but a NY police officer helps put a stop to it.

Film Analysis

Film TitleDie Hard
Year1988
DirectorJohn McTiernan
CountryUSA
GenreAction
If you could work on this film (change it), what would you change and why?The graphics

Film information can be found at imdb.com

As you view films, consider how the cuts, camera angles, shots, and movement work to create particular meanings. Think about how they establish space, privilege certain characters, suggest relationships, and emphasize themes. In addition to shot distances, angles, editing, and camera movement, note details of the narrative, setting, characters, lighting, props, costume, tone, and sound.

Ask yourself the following questions:

TOPICYOUR NOTES
1. Who is the protagonist?John
2. Who is the antagonist?Hans
3. What is the conflict?Hans and his crew try and overtake a business building
4. What is the theme or central, unifying concept? (summarize in one or two words)A heist for money
5. How is the story told (linear, non-linear, with flashbacksflash-forwards, at regular intervals)Regular Intervals
6. What “happens” in the plot (Brief description)?Hans and his crew try and take over a building but John, a NY cop, puts a stop to it
7. How does the film influence particular reactions on the part of viewers (sound, editing,
characterization, camera movement, etc.)? Why does the film encourage such
reactions?
There is a lot of screaming, showing fear in the characters
8. Is the setting realistic or stylized? What atmosphere does the setting suggest? Do particular objects or settings serve symbolic functions?It is realistic because it is based in a normal business building
9. How are the characters costumed and made-up? What does their clothing or makeup reveal about their social standing, ethnicity, nationality, gender, or age? How do costume and makeup convey character?They are dressed in work apparel, suits and dresses
10. How does the lighting design shape our perception of character, space, or mood?It is a pretty dark scenery, the lighting is not the best.
11. How do camera angles and camera movements shape our view of characters or spaces? What do you see cinematically?They angle the camera from a top view so you can see everyone’s reaction
12. What is the music’s purpose in the film? How does it direct our attention within the image? How does it shape our interpretation of the image? What stands out about the music?The purpose is to create suspense.
13. How might industrial, social, and economic factors have influenced the film? Describe how this film influences or connects to a culture?The layout of the building is pretty weird because it is old
14. Give an example of what a film critic had to say about this film. Use credible sources and cite sources.Example: “The Shawshank Redemption Movie Review (1994) | Roger Ebert.” All Content. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2015.It is given a 94% audience score on rotten tomatoes
15. Select one scene no longer than 5 minutes that represents well the whole film and shows relevant cinematic elements. Write a one-sentence description of the scene and record the time of the scene.Example: from 1:05:00 to 1:10:00.Explain why you chose this scene. We no longer have the movie anymore because my mom deleted it but it was about 30-40 minutes into the movie. Its when Hans and his crew drive into the parking lot and jump out and take over the building.
16. In the selected scenewrite a sentence for each of the elements below to justify why this scene best represents the film:
a. Screenwriting:The script had a lot of explcit language
b. Sound Design:The sound quality wasn’t great but it is also an old movie
c. Camera Movements/Angles:The angles were not ideal. They came from random places
d. Light Setup:The lighting was very dark and it was a weird setting
e. Soundtrack/Score:The music made it very suspenseful
18. What’s the socio-cultural context of this film?A heist

Film Analysis: Birdbox

Summary

  • I analyzed the film Birdbox. It is about a demonic spirit that tortures the world.

Film Analysis

Film TitleBirdBox
Year2018
DirectorSusanne Bier
CountryUSA
GenreThriller
If you could work on this film (change it), what would you change and why?I would make it in a different setting because the setting it was in was very bland.

Film information can be found at imdb.com

As you view films, consider how the cuts, camera angles, shots, and movement work to create particular meanings. Think about how they establish space, privilege certain characters, suggest relationships, and emphasize themes. In addition to shot distances, angles, editing, and camera movement, note details of the narrative, setting, characters, lighting, props, costume, tone, and sound.

Ask yourself the following questions:

TOPICYOUR NOTES
1. Who is the protagonist?Malorie
2. Who is the antagonist?The spirit
3. What is the conflict?The spirit causes people to commit suicide
4. What is the theme or central, unifying concept? (summarize in one or two words)The theme is survival of the smartest, not the fittest
5. How is the story told (linear, non-linear, with flashbacksflash-forwards, at regular intervals)It is showed in regular intervals
6. What “happens” in the plot (Brief description)?The spirit wipes out the world. If you look at the light, you kill yourself.
7. How does the film influence particular reactions on the part of viewers (sound, editing,
characterization, camera movement, etc.)? Why does the film encourage such
reactions?
When someone kills themself, it takes you by surprise
8. Is the setting realistic or stylized? What atmosphere does the setting suggest? Do particular objects or settings serve symbolic functions?The setting is realistic but boring. It is mainly in an abandoned house that a group of people stay in
9. How are the characters costumed and made-up? What does their clothing or makeup reveal about their social standing, ethnicity, nationality, gender, or age? How do costume and makeup convey character?They are dressed in urban city outfits.
10. How does the lighting design shape our perception of character, space, or mood?The lighting really shows the different reactions and expressions people have in the film
11. How do camera angles and camera movements shape our view of characters or spaces? What do you see cinematically?It shows how people in the movie really are and what they act like when its not on the main event.
12. What is the music’s purpose in the film? How does it direct our attention within the image? How does it shape our interpretation of the image? What stands out about the music?It is there to create more suspense.
13. How might industrial, social, and economic factors have influenced the film? Describe how this film influences or connects to a culture?There isn’t a connection because the plot is just so unrealistic and impossible
14. Give an example of what a film critic had to say about this film. Use credible sources and cite sources.Example: “The Shawshank Redemption Movie Review (1994) | Roger Ebert.” All Content. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2015.Aisha Harris from the NY times says that it was a strong sci-fi thriller.
15. Select one scene no longer than 5 minutes that represents well the whole film and shows relevant cinematic elements. Write a one-sentence description of the scene and record the time of the scene.Example: from 1:05:00 to 1:10:00.Explain why you chose this scene.PLACE THE TIME STAMP FROM THE SCENE HERE… Example: 00:12:31 – 00:16:42
16. In the selected scenewrite a sentence for each of the elements below to justify why this scene best represents the film:
a. Screenwriting:It shows the end of humanity and the base of the film
b. Sound Design:The screeching really shows the intensity
c. Camera Movements/Angles:The angles show the chaos that is going on
d. Light Setup:The light portrays where the spirit is in the scene
e. Soundtrack/Score:There was no soundtrack
18. What’s the socio-cultural context of this film?That the end is near and the smartest will make it out alive

This worksheet was developed with ideas from many IB Film teachers, thus should remain in the Creative Commons

Mr. Le Duc’s Film Analysis Resources