Week 3 Response/ Analysis

Response
Film can be viewed at: mins 96:48-99:02
website: http://www.videosinhd.com/mega.html?file=H129RQTC
One of my favorite movies is the Spiderman Collection, especially Spiderman 3. There is this one scene where Parker (Spiderman) loses his mind that makes me laugh over and over again. In this particular scene, Parker takes another woman to the jazz club where his ex-girlfriend, Mary Jane, works as a singer. This scene employs the use of backlighting that sets the romantic mood of the jazz club. This effect of lighting is displayed throughout the entire jazz club scene. The introduction of Parker and his new companion is also accompanied by soft light jazz music that also assists in establishing the mood for the scene. The producer uses several medium shots of Parker and his companion to introduce the audience to the couple. After the audience has familiarized themselves with Parker’s new companion, there is the use of an establishing shot to present the jazz club as the setting of all the action. As the scene progresses and Parker and his companion have been assigned a table, the mood of the scene begins to change. This change is signified by introduction of an up tempo jazz song called You Give Me Fever. The director uses this section within scene to portray the character’s alter egos. As Mary Jane begins to sing, Parker decides to accompany her by playing the piano. Parker remixes the song and then starts on a series of ludicrous acts. He jumps on top of the piano and then the camera incorporates several pan and tracking shots that engage the audience as a participant in Parker’s escapade. These particular shots force the viewer’s eyes to move back and forth in order to follow the main character in these series of actions. The director’s use of these shots exemplifies his ability to demand and focus attention on the main character. The elements of setting, music, lighting, and film shots all assist in understanding the dilemma that is plaguing Parker. Parker fulfills his desire to become his alter ego in this scene, but discovers that he hurts others by becoming this person.

Student will learn the various films techniques by also choosing their favorite films to analyze. The first step of the process will consist of students familiarizing (not memorizing) themselves with the various types of shots that directors use to convey the message within a film. The students will view examples of the various shots and then use this acquired knowledge to analyze their favorite scene from a film. The class will choose 3 of their favorite films that are recommended by MovieLens to use for choosing films to view. I will select 4 crucial events from the film and allow students to vote for the scene they would like to view. The selected scene will be used to teach the various camera shots. After acquiring this skill, students will identify the use and purpose of other elements (e.g. music, lighting, etc.) in the film. I think students will understand these concepts more thoroughly when they realize that a favorite movie is enjoyable because of these essential elements. The idea in teaching film literacy concepts is to engage students while they are actively learning.

Shot-By-Shot Analysis
Funny Levi’s Commercial
View Commercial At: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1198960/funny_commercial/


This link includes a shot-by-shot analysis of a Levi’s blue jeans commercial. I found this commercial listed under the topic of funny commercials. The word chart provides a non visual analysis of 9 crucial shots in the commercial. The type of shot is identified and then an analysis is provided for why the shot was filmed in the particular way.




Shot # Type of Shot Explanation
Shot 1:
Car Pulls intogas station
Establishing Shot Identifies setting of the commercial
Shot 2:
Woman concealed in coat, sunglasses, and wig frantically enters restroom and stands in corner Medium Shot Identifies main character

Shot 3:
Blind man sitting on bench drops stick Extreme Long Shot Identifies blind man as an additional main character

Shot 4:
Woman removing clothing and accessories Medium Shot Focuses on the woman undressing and revealing her true identity. This shot evokes some sexuality by portraying woman in undergarments

Shot 5:
Camera shifts back and forth the between blind man and woman Wide-Angle Lens
Point-Of-View Shot Shows the relationship of blind man and woman, presented from blind man’s point-of-view

Shot 6:
Woman walks towards blind man and slowly buttons blue jeans Close-Up Shot Direct shot of woman’s stomach, seductive, invites audience as passive participant along with blind man

Shot 7:
Shot of man’s hand flushing toilet Close-Up shot Signifies shame and disgust of the woman and her actions, director does not reveal identity of other person in restroom

Shot 8:
Woman runs out of restroom while staring back at blind man Long Shot Reestablishes main characters and ends the relationship between the man and the woman

Shot 9:
Man walks out of bathroom stall and blind man gives him the stick

Close-Up Shot Nonverbal exchange reveals that the blind man is not blind and comically reveals what has really occurred in the commercial