Worksheet: Features of film
Study this page on the Support Site, which explains some of the defining features of
film. Apply these terms and questions to a film, using the table provided below.
Questions:
A. Mise en scène: This refers to what
goes into the frame, including the
subjects, backdrop and props. It
refers to the composition of the
shot, including the lighting, and can
involve a director of photography.
How does your film or video use
composition (or mise en scène) to
capture or frame the director's
message?
B. Camera angle: What is the angle
of the camera in relation to its
subject? Is it a bird’s eye view, high
angle, eye-level angle, low angle or
worm’s eye view? Camera angle
(see diagram) greatly affects the
viewer's interpretation of the
subject. It provides a perspective or
a window into a world. How does
your film use camera angle to
construct meaning?
C. Camera shot: The distance
between the camera and the
subject is important to consider.
You may see an extreme-close shot
(XCS), a close shot (CS), medium
shot (MS), long shot (LS) or
extreme long shot (XLS) (see
figure). Does the camera move or
Answers:
Precisely edited to convey the director's
point. To accurately depict the cultural
environment and arouse certain
emotions, the subjects, backdrop, and
props are carefully chosen. The lighting
is quite important for boosting the mood
and accentuating particular things in the
frame. The director of photography
carefully plans out each shot's
arrangement to make sure that the
visuals complement the story and ideas
of the movie.
The film uses a variety of camera
angles to convey message and offer
various viewpoints. In order to fully
immerse the audience in Ulises'
environment and highlight his struggles
as a marginalized character, the film
largely employs eye-level perspectives
and low angles. Low angles can
suggest a feeling of power relationships
and the difficulties he encounters. The
movie provides a window into Ulises'
journey by using particular camera
angles, enabling the spectator to relate
to his experience more deeply.
The camera shots in "I'm No Longer
Here" range from up close to far away.
The camera's distance from the subject
is carefully calculated in order to create
an intimate connection or to offer a
larger picture of the surroundings.
Panning the camera or utilizing a dolly
lends vitality to some moments,
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 stay still in relation to its subject?
Sometimes the camera is put on a
dolly. Sometimes it rotates on its
access, creating a pan. Cameras
can also zoom in and out, often in
combination with camera
movement for special effects.
Finally consider the length or
duration of the shot, which will help
determine the pace of the film.
D. Shot length: Consider the length or
duration of the shot. Shot length will
help determine the pace of the film
and the viewer’s engagement with
the topic. How do the lengths of the
shots help construct the director’s
presentation of the topic and how
does shot length affect the viewer?
E. Diegetic or non-diegetic sound:
Sounds that are created by the
characters, objects or events on the
film set, (such as dialogue) are
known as diegetic sounds. Sounds
that are added to the footage after
filming, such as music, voice-overs
or sound effects, are known as
non-diegetic sounds. How do both
non-diegetic and diegetic sounds
help convey the message of the
film that you are analysing?
F. Montage: How are all of the shots
and music put together? The skill of
editing and joining shots to get a
particular effect is called ‘montage’.
Post-production editing, or
montage, is important in
constructing the viewer's
experience of the events that
unfold. How does your film use
montage to construct meaning?
boosting the visual storytelling.
The durations of the shots are important
in defining the film's pace and the
viewer's involvement. Longer shots
allow for reflection and emotional
resonance, but shorter, quicker shots
provide a feeling of urgency or intensity.
Diegetic and non-diegetic noises both
play important roles in communicating
the film's message. Diegetic sounds,
like as conversation and ambient
noises, engage the spectator in the
world of the characters and add to the
realism. Non-diegetic noises, such as
music and sound effects, elicit
emotions, offer cultural context, and
amplify the impact of specific scenes.
Ulises' cultural identity is reflected in the
carefully picked music, which includes
cumbia and chicha.
Montage is employed deftly in "I'm No
Longer Here" to build meaning and
influence the viewer's experience. The
editing of different shots, their order,
and the use of music and sound all
contribute to a unified narrative flow.
Montage is very effective in conveying
Ulises' emotional journey, cultural
clashes, and the dichotomy between his
past and present. It enables the
juxtaposition of various situations while
stressing the themes of identity,
displacement, and belonging.
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