Due March 9 (11:59 PM) – In Modules 5-8 we explored cinematography, editing and the impact of sound on cinema (and the marriage between each). Framing, color theory, tracking shots, silence, ambient sound and score all play roles in telling, enhancing or progressing the narrative (as well as cuts and transitions). For this week’s writing assignment you will get to explore films that have been recognized for incorporating each of these elements into story.
You are welcome to select any film from the list below; you are asked to explore your choice with a specific focus on sight and sound. The following is a list of expectations for this assignment (your investigation of camera and sound will carry more weight for this evaluation).
Directions and Guidelines
- For this assignment, instead of posting to your personal blog, you may choose to submit your evaluation in a word document, PDF or text file (by email or through the message or assignment portal). If you go this route, your subject line should be: Ch. 4 – Sights & Sounds Evaluation + your name. SPECIAL NOTE: If you decide to submit this assignment via your personal film journal/blog – you may earn extra credit (if you follow our typical guidelines – images, tags, links).
- Minimum word count – 400 words – 12 point font – Times or Georgia Preferred, line spacing 1.5.
- Describe the story & main characters (many of you need to go back and re-read the section of concisely summarizing the film).
- Standard Genre of the film (comedy, action, sci-fi, drama, love story, etc.). Which audiences would this appeal to the most?
- Character conflicts with a defense/examples (vs. self, society, nature, character, etc.).
- Message or universal theme you gained from the film (with defense).
- Exploration of cinematography, color theory, framing, lighting, camera angles & camera movement. How did this impact the film and further or enhance the story (with examples)? Was it nominated or did it win awards for cinematography? If so, what were they, and do you believe it was warranted… why or why not?
- Exploration of sound: How did musical score, silence and/or sound effects impact the film and further or enhance the story (with examples)? Was it nominated or did it win awards for elements of sound? If so, what were they, and do you believe it was warranted… why or why not?
- Examine the types of editing that the filmmaker uses to tell or further storytelling. Was this film celebrated as an editing marvel with awards? If so, share that.
- Personal reflections – did the film succeed or fail? Why? What worked or didn’t work for you? Why?If you were to give a final grade for the film, what would it be?
- Points may be subtracted for spelling, grammar, punctuation and sentence structure issues. Possibly -1 point each (so proof your work; you are also welcome to get someone else to read your assignment and offer suggestions).
Sound of Metal (2021)
Mank (2020)
The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
Ford v. Ferrari (2020)
Bohemian Rhapsody (2019)
JoJo Rabbit (2019)
Alita: Battle Angel (2018)
A Quiet Place (2018)
The Favourite (2018)
Solo (2018)
Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)
Hotel Artemis (2018)
Baby Driver (2017)
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Dunkirk (2017)
Deepwater Horizon (2016)
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Interstellar (2014)
American Sniper (2014)
Gravity (2013)
Drive (2011)
The War Horse (2011)
Tron: Legacy (2010)
The Book of Eli (2010)
The Social Network (2010)
Inception (2010)
Star Trek (2009)
The Road (2009)
The Hurt Locker (2008)
The Dark Knight (2008)
Children of Men (2006)
Pirates of the Caribbean (2003)
Road to Perdition (2002)
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)
Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Gladiator (2000)
Cast Away (2000)
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Titanic (1997)
Apollo 13 (1995)
Braveheart (1995)
Schindler’s List (1993)
Jurassic Park (1993)
Last of the Mohicans (1992)
Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Batman (1989)
The Mission (1986)
The Untouchables (1987)
Back To The Future (1985)
Blade Runner (1982)
ET: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981)
Das Boot (1981)
Blow Out (1981)
Raging Bull (1980)
Apocalypse Now (1979)
Close Encounters Of The Third Kind (1977)
Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
Eraserhead (1977)
Taxi Driver (1976)
Rocky (1976)
Jaws (1975)
The Conversation (1974)
Pat Garrett And Billy The Kid (1973)
The Godfather (1972)
The French Connection (1971)
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
The Good, The Bad And The Ugly (1966)
Doctor Zhivago (1965)
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Vertigo (1958)
The Seven Samurai (1954)
Casablanca (1942)
Citizen Kane (1941)
M (1931)
The Film Critic 