Film Movement and Cutting

Film Analysis Part 2

Dolly ShotsThe camera is mounted on a device that has wheels and move on tracks. Smooth, liquid feeling to the scene or sequence Example: Touch of Evil

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8AXd1ayxrg (1:30-2:35)

Handheld MovesA camera operator films the scene with a lightweight cameraIf the filmmaker wants smooth handheld moves, he uses a Steadicam, which involves a gyroscopeExample: Cloverfield

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkFcHUvyJ-k (0:00-1:00)

Pans and TiltsPans: Mounted on a device such as a tripod, and operator rotates the camera to the left or rightTilts: Mounted and operator tilts the camera up or downExample: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VbAt7yDSKs&feature=fvwrel (0:00-0:50)

Circular ChoreographyWhen the camera circles the actors that are interacting with one anotherUsually makes the viewers feel uncomfortable, uneasy, or confused Example: The Dark Knight (1:20-2:46)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFHccsaTakg

Ways to Capture Running on Camera

In film, there are various ways to capture an actor or a group of actors running on camera

Head-inPanLateral trackingFrontal trackingRearward tracking

We will use Forrest Gump as an example for these types of tracking movement

Head-InActor runs toward a stationary camera and past itActor’s destination is unknown, creating curiosityIn this case, Forrest runs towards the camera and away from his followers as he decides to run back home

PanCamera pans as actor runs across the screenPan is meant to specify where the actor is runningIn this scene, the camera pans as Forrest runs across the football field to score a touchdown

Lateral TrackingActor runs along side the camera, which is attached to a truck that moves with him/herMeant to highlight the action of the actor rather than his or her surroundings Can’t see where the actor came from or where he/she is going, just backgroundIn this scene, camera tracks Forrest as he brakes his leg braces and runs from bullies. Audience is not aware of his destination.

Frontal TrackingCamera is mounted on the bed of a truck and pointed at Forrest as he runs towards it; camera keeps up with the actorFrames vary from long shots to close-upsMeant to raise suspenseIn this scene, Forrest is running away from bullies

Rearward TrackingExact same as frontal tracking, except that the camera is placed behind the actor instead of in front of him or her while runningMeant to show how fast actor is running/ what obstacles lie ahead for the actorIn this scene, Forrest is running towards the Alabama marching band after scoring a touchdown

Check Point!An opening sequence that has nearly every shot, angle and movement (nearly)!007: Casino Royale (2006)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZxNbAwY_rk How many can you identify?

Cuts The manner in which filmmakers join together the various shots in a movie.It affects the rhythm of the film and can serve to guide the audience through the film, making the connections that the director wants them to makeExample of a Cut: 2001: A Space Odyssey

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrdCC9ZHhwY (0:00-0:15)

Compilation CuttingShots to illustrate the story that the narrator is tellingFilm tied together more by the narration than the order and rhythm of the shotsUsed in movie trailers a lot!Example: Love Actually

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUoxXpqof8A

Continuity CuttingA filmmaker follows one person or a group of people continuously and details what happens to themExample: Forrest Gump

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7voy1vit6Y (1:00-1:55)

Cross-CuttingCutting back and forth between two or more actions going on at the same time Can build excitement and suspenseExample: Inception

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmptU7vEkNU

Cut InFlashes of cuts that seem to not relate to or contrast with the current sequence Can be used to change emotion or foreshadowExample: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw6GwhfNl7U (0:40-1:40)

Fade-Out and Fade-InFade Out: film screen gradually becomes black, changing the film’s rhythmFade-in: usually follows a fade-out. Leads to a different setting or scene. Can serve as an alert that a change in time or space is occurring. Example: Django Unchained

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUdM9vrCbow

DissolvePoetic, soft shift between two scenesShots “melt” into one anotherSoftens the cut between two sequencesExample: The English Patient

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHFQAAhv_xI (1:00-1:16!!!!)

WipeOne shot pushes the preceding shot across the screenCan move up, down, across or diagonallyExample: Star Wars: A New Hope

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5k-pFjm0sg

Checkpoint!Opening sequence that has multiple changes in movement and cuttingCan you find them all?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhjDnrw34QA (0:35-4:29)