Cinematography and Special Effects

Week 4

Watch a Western or a Musical film made in the last 30 years. It cannot be from the same genre as your favorite movie (the film you chose in Week One).

What does it have in common with the films of that genre viewed in Week Four? How is it different?

How does cinematography or special effects play a part in this film? Identify at least three places that one of these stood out.

Special Effects

You are undoubtedly very familiar with the use of Special Effects in cinema. However, you are likely unfamiliar with the history behind its use and the techniques of Special Effects. Read this short article to learn about Special Effects in cinema. This reading should be referenced in your discussion for this week as you analyze Special Effects in your film. Additionally, this reading should be referenced in your Paper One. This reading may also be referenced in the final essay, if special effects is to be included in the analysis.

http://www.oxfordreference.com.ezproxy.umgc.edu/view/10.1093/acref/9780199587261.001.0001/acref-9780199587261-e-0672?rskey=dnesoE&result=1

Cinematography

Cinematography is an art which creates the exciting experience of cinema. Creating a dynamic shot is more than turning on a camera. The art of cinematography is knowing how to visually tell a story. Read this article to gain a basic understanding of cinematography. This reading should be referenced in your discussion for this week as you analyze cinematography in your film. Additionally, this reading should be referenced in your Paper One. This reading may also be referenced in the final essay, if cinematography is to be included in the analysis.

http://www.oxfordreference.com.ezproxy.umgc.edu/view/10.1093/acref/9780199587261.001.0001/acref-9780199587261-e-0124?rskey=jRCezZ&result=1

Tomorrows Filmmakers – Types of Shots

This week’s first lecture builds upon the foundational knowledge you gained through this week’s fourth reading. Recognizing the various types of shots in cinema is essential to understanding how to properly analyze a film. This lecture should be referenced in your discussion for this week as you analyze cinematography in your film. Additionally, this lecture should be referenced in your Paper One.

“Good Morning” – Signin’ in the Rain (Kelly & Donen, 1952)

As you will remember from this week’s second reading and the previous clip, Singin’ in the Rain (Kelly & Donen, 1952) is a very important musical in cinema history. This film captures all of the fun of the musical genre while taking a profound look at how the film industry changed dramatically with the introduction of sound. For a more in-depth plot summary, please see this article. Watch this short clip where Don (Gene Kelly), Cosmo (Donald O’Connor), and Kathy (Debbie Reynolds) celebrate having spent the night talking and dreaming about their future in this classic scene.

“Good Morning” – Signin’ in the Rain (Kelly & Donen, 1952)

As you will remember from this week’s second reading and the previous clip, Singin’ in the Rain (Kelly & Donen, 1952) is a very important musical in cinema history. This film captures all of the fun of the musical genre while taking a profound look at how the film industry changed dramatically with the introduction of sound. For a more in-depth plot summary, please see this article. Watch this short clip where Don (Gene Kelly), Cosmo (Donald O’Connor), and Kathy (Debbie Reynolds) celebrate having spent the night talking and dreaming about their future in this classic scene.