Film Notes

Some things to think about while analyzing films:
is it realism or formalism?
how does is open?
how are characters introduced?
what is the pace of the film?
how is interest sustained?

(Here are some examples from class:)

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
formalism
opens straight into the first scene
Harrison Ford's character is first seen as a shadow
pace is quick, keeps the audience's attention
interest is sustained through action, humor and the score

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
realism (based on actual events)
opens with credits; shows Lawrence's death, then flashes back
Lawrence is first shown on a speeding motorcycle, before his death
pace is slow for approximately half the film; builds in the latter half
interest sustained through action, definitely the score (!), curiosity of what happens next

An Occurence at Owl Creek Bridge (1962)
realism (events could have happened)/formalism (dream scene)
opens with credits, forest scenery, no real soundtrack
the man (main character) is first shown as he is about to be executed
pace is slow at first, but builds as the character's disposition grows
the man's disposition and curiosity of what happens next sustains interest

Glory (1989)
realism (based on actual events)
opens into first scene
Robert Gould Shaw, union soldier, medium shot with voice over; Morgan Freeman's character appears awash in sunlight
pace is mostly quick, following the action
interest is sustained by action intermingled with the score

North by Northwest (1959)
realism (with a lot of conveniences)
opens into credits at an angle with a building reflecting a city street
Cary Grant's character is first seen in a crowd
pace is mostly quick, except in scenes with little action
interest is sustained by suspense, action and eerie score

Casablanca (1942)
realism (story set during historical events)
opens into credits
Rick (Bogart) is first seen by his hands
pace is fairly quick
story sustains interest and "As Time Goes By"

The African Queen
formalism (some events seem slightly farfetched)
opens into credits with jungle background
Charlie (Bogart) is first shown on his boat, The African Queen; Rosie (Katharine Hepburn is first seen playing the organ, medium shot
pace is quick, especially with the river scenes
interest is sustained by the action and the characters' struggles

To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
formalism (historical fiction)
opens into credits with child coloring in background
Scout Finch is first introduced as a voice-over
pace is slow, except in scenes with action
story sustains interest

Gettysburg (1993)
realism
opens with portraits of the original soldiers, followed by ones of the actors who played them
first soldier seem is shown by an extreme close-up and silhouette
pace is slow at first; picks up during fight scenes
action sustains interest

Doctor Zhivago (1965)
formalism, story set during Russian Revolution/realism for events
opens with overture, then opening credits
Zhivago's character is first seen in a picture
pace is respectable
interest is maintained by the story

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