Students and film buffs can learn a lot by carefully analyzing movie scenes. Before doing this, carefully watch the movie more than once to make sure you understand it completely. After that, choose a scene that lasts 2-3 minutes to analyze it. Replay the scene over and over and study the different aspects of it, keeping in mind that all you see is the sentient choice of the recorder. The analysis of the scene is an attempt to understand these choices.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Characters
Step 1. Study the main characters that appear in the scene
It also analyzes extra non-speaking actors and extras.
- Note which characters are present at the beginning of the scene, those who arrive later and those who leave the scene before the others.
- Ask yourself what each character in the scene wants, and if they ultimately get what they want.
- Watch for changes in the situation. In most cases, the position (strong or weak) of some characters will change. For example, in a scene where Giovanni asks Lorenzo for a favor, who refuses the favor, the situation is that Giovanni is the weak character, while Lorenzo is the strong character. If Giovanni pulls out a gun and forces Lorenzo to do him the favor, Giovanni becomes the strong character.
- Identify how your choice of particular actors affects how you see characters.
- Study the costumes of the characters and ask yourself what they represent.
Method 2 of 5: Setting
Step 1. Take note of the setting of the scene, in terms of space and time
In particular, note whether the scenes follow each other in chronological order or without an apparent timeline.
- Many films have scenes that follow each other in a disordered way, because the character recalls events that happened in another time (flashback) or simply because the director made the creative choice to show the events in a causal way. Generally, even if the events are arranged in a disorderly manner, the story itself is told in a clear and orderly manner from the first to the last scene.
- As for the story, ask yourself why the scene was shot in a certain place and if the setting actually helps the director to untie the threads of the plot or distracts the viewer.
- The setting may have been chosen by the director for various reasons, in addition to the mere narration of the plot. Try to determine if the setting is important to the story or is it simply an interesting choice by the director that means nothing more.
Method 3 of 5: Mise-en-Scene
Step 1. Pay particular attention to how certain elements of the scene help tell the story
This is called mise-en-scene, a French term that can be translated into Italian "staging".
- Keep in mind that what you see in the scene is not the real place represented in its entirety, but only what the director has decided to show you. Ask yourself why the director chose to show this part of the setting and not another. This is true for scenes shot in the studio rather than in the actual setting, because the set includes only a part of the location that you want to represent.
- Take note of which characters and objects are positioned in the center of the scene and which are in peripheral areas or in the background.
- Study which parts of the scene are out of focus if the focus changes over time.
- Look at the stage lighting. Note if the scene is well lit or dim, and note if the light has a particular hue. Think about how the scene could work if the lighting were different.
Method 4 of 5: Camera
Step 1. Make a list of each camera angle
A typical scene can include dozens of angles, from close-ups of the character's face to extremely long shots that show the entire scene from a great distance. There are also angles in which the camera moves, following the movements of a character or zooming in on an object. All of this is meant to enhance the storytelling.
- Note whether the camera actually behaves as if it were the character's eyes or if it just shoots the scene from another point of view.
- Try to determine why the director chose each angle, and what the effect of each of them is.
- Pay particular attention to unusual angles, such as slow motion, tilted angles, or those where the camera vibrates. For example, a tilted camera is often used to suggest to the viewer that the depicted character is under the influence of drugs.
- Think about how the different angles change the pace of the scene.
Method 5 of 5: Sounds and Music
Step 1. Close your eyes and focus on what you hear during the scene
Many scenes have different "layers" of sound and music, from ambient noises that are actually audible on the spot, such as road traffic or bird chirping, to sounds inserted for the sole purpose of creating atmosphere. Many scenes also include music, which aids in the storytelling.
- Keep in mind that the director may have deliberately cut out the natural ambient sounds and inserted other sounds. Imagine what you might actually hear on the spot, in real life, and determine if the director made a good choice with the sounds he put in.
- Take note if the director has inserted special sounds to cause particular emotions in the audience. For example, a ticking or ticking of a clock creates a sense of urgency or fear.
- Listen to the music and ask yourself what it represents, and if it communicates what you expected. For example, the composer may have composed a particular melody that is replayed every time the character thinks about his lost love.
- Note if the movie contains original music or music from other licensed artists. Ask yourself why the director chose one, the other or both.
- Close your eyes and listen to the music. Try to imagine what happens just by listening to the music.
