Summary
- I analyzed the film Birdbox. It is about a demonic spirit that tortures the world.
Film Analysis
| Film Title | BirdBox |
| Year | 2018 |
| Director | Susanne Bier |
| Country | USA |
| Genre | Thriller |
| 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:
| TOPIC | YOUR 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 flashbacks, flash-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 scene: write 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