FILM ANALYSIS -Christy Tisnawijaya, M.Hum. 1
2 Films use cinematography to present the narrative (story) in which represents social issue(s).
3 ISSUE propagating an ideology reconstructing an ideology NARRATIVE characters & characterizations setting plot point of view theme CINEMATOGRAPHY shots & angles lighting, color, sound sets, costumes editing F I L M
ESSENTIAL SCENES: + Show the interaction of the protagonist and another character + Show the main conflict of the story 4
EACH SCENE MUST INCLUDE: + a discussion of narrative elements + a dialogue + a description of cinematography elements + a conclusion of the issue 5
Oshin is leaving to work [15:50] 6 Can you recall what this scene is about?
The scene uses a long shot to show the distance between Oshin and her family. Here, Oshin’s mother is almost unidentified, while the snow-covered mountain in the background can be seen clearly. This shot represents how helpless Oshin and her mother are to see each other soon as they are separated by the geographical hindrance, not only the distance but also the weather. Place your screenshot here 7 Oshin is leaving to work [15:50]
8 Oshin is fleeing her master’s house [30:33] Can you identify the cinematography elements used by this scene? What kind of atmosphere represented by those elements?
This scene uses a low angle to present how small and powerless Oshin is in the middle of the forest pine. As she runs from an injustice master, Oshin’s safety is still threatened by the cold of the forest and the weather's uncertainty. Place your screenshot here 9 Oshin is fleeing her master’s house [30:33]
10 Oshin is being accused of stealing a book [1:11:34] Let’s talk about the characters’ positions!
The scene uses a full shot and over-the-shoulder shot to show the stratification between Oshin and Kayo’s family. Here, the full shot presents the characters' action; Kayo and her family are sitting down while Oshin is kneeling before them. The angle over-the-shoulder depicts how Oshin is the center of attention; her future depends on her explanation. This shot also implies how Kayo’s grandmother is the family ruler, as Oshin is presented kneeling right in front of her. Place your screenshot here 11 Oshin is being accused of stealing a book [1:11:34]
kuzco’s guards are escorting pacha to leave [00:10:23] 12
The scene uses a medium shot to show Pacha’s helplessness upon Kuzco’s selfish wish. This shot displays the characters’ body size. Kuzco’s small body signifies his selfish act; he does not care about his people’s needs. Pacha’s big body suggests his responsibility as the head of the family. Even though he is bigger than Kuzco, Pacha cannot confront him as the guards protect the emperor. The guards’ dark, dominant color represents Kuzco’s power abuse and Pacha’s bleak future. Place your screenshot here 13 kuzco’s guards are escorting pacha to leave [00:10:23]
Mulan at the Matchmaker’s house [09:12] 14
The scene uses over-the-shoulder shot to show Mulan’s terrified expression while being evaluated by the Matchmaker. At the same time, it uses medium close up showing the upper body of the Matchmaker three-fourths of the scene bigger than Mulan’s full body to represent her higher status as she will determine Mulan’s future. Here, Mulan as a girl is not allowed to speak. When the Matchmaker calls Mulan’s name and Mulan answers “Present”, the Matchmaker disagrees with Mulan’s attitude by saying “Speaking without permission.”It suggests that in public space, especially in the presence of the elderly, a girl is not supposed to speak at all. Place your screenshot here 15 Mulan at the Matchmaker’s house [09:12]