FILM

In this lesson, we are going to tackle another form of art which is the film. We are going to further
understand the Elements, Techniques, Forms and Types of Film.

Terms and Definitions

1. dimension- a measurable extent of some kind, such as length, breadth, depth, or height
2. expansive- covering a wide area in terms of space or scope; extensive or wide-ranging
3. dissolve- close down or dismiss

Film refers to a sequence of moving pictures which is typically shown on television or in a cinema.
Filmmaking became an industry in the Philippines during the 1950’s.

ELEMENTS OF FILM
1.Time. This is considered the most significant element of cinema. It has three aspects:
Aspect of Time
• Physical Time. This refers to time for an action to take place as it is being filmed and projected
on the screen. This can be altered through accelerated motion, slow motion, stopped motion and
reverse motion.
• Psychological Time. This refers to the impression of the viewer on how long does it take for a
certain action to take place and how he or she feels when watching that particular action. For
instance, a viewer feels excited when watching fast action scenes.
• Dramatic Time. This signifies the timeline of events portrayed in the film.
2.Space. Just like in a painting or a photograph, a film, when projected on the screen has two
dimensions. However, the viewer is able to perceive space because of the following aspects of space.
• Scale. This aspect indicates the size of the objects on the screen and how these objects relate
with the area surrounding them. It may also involve where the camera is positioned in taking the
shot. For example, when the camera is situated very far from the object, an expansive view on a
scale is produced. In this case, the viewer will be able to take note of the relationship between
objects showed in the film.
• Shooting Angle. This denotes the location or angle from where the camera records the scene.
Shots may be taken with the camera directed vertically downwards, vertically upwards or
horizontally. Each position or angle will have a different effect on the scene that is being recorded.
• Lighting. The position of lights can affect how the illusion of depth is created in the film. The
relationship of light and dark on the object can give that illusion of depth to the object.
3.Sound. Aside from dialogue, sound also includes background music, theme melodies and silence.

TECHNIQUES OF CINEMA
1.Cutting or Editing. This involves joining one shot with another, making sure that these two shot are
logically connected. This helps in ensuring that only the scenes that are required in the story will be
shown. Transitions are used for emphasis or for smooth changing of one shot to another, such as
dissolve, fade and turn-over.
2.Camera Movement. This is done to have a smoother change of view, to help in gradual growth of
emotions or to stimulate a familiar experience.
3.Framing. This helps in bringing balance to the film as it is being viewed. Framing can also get the
attention of the audience and sustain that attention.
 FORMS AND TYPES OF FILM
1.Action. This American-influenced type of film mainly uses physical conflict as emphasis. There are two
types of action films. The first one is based on real-life stories. The other type of action films, which is
centered on purely fictional events, may be based fro tradition of metrical romance or of the literary
komedya, or with contemporary issues.
2.Animation. It is a film that involves creating illustrations or inanimate images and bringing them to life.
There are three types of animation: drawn animation, cut-out animation and model or live animation.
3.Bomba. A film that primarily depicts nudity and sex, became popular from 1970’s up to 1990’s. Known
as “bold”. Bomba is different from X-rated pornography.
4.Dokyu. (Documentary). It is a motion picture that narrates or discusses news events. It may also
explain other subject matter based on facts. There are five types of dokyu: film journalism, which
reports events based on facts and gives emphasis on timeliness; general interest film, which primarily
informs the public on a particular subject (ex.travelogue); nature documentaries, which brings
knowledge about the physical world; committed documentaries, which tackles social problems and
issues like injustice and poverty; and cinema direct, which presents reality using a unique point of view,
language and technique.
5.Drama. This refers to a motion picture that dwells on personal problems and conflicts. Drama draws
sentiment and emotion. It is typically meant to be a tearjerker.
6.Experimental. This type of film attempts to create something radically innovative or something that is
never done before with the camera. It also explores the hidden potentials of film.
7.Fantasy. This film depicts scenes in an imaginary world. Komiks stories, folklore, and science fiction all
fall under fantasy.
8.Historical. This type of film shows actual events that occurred in the past. It may depict real stories of
famous persons, or historical events and places that are recreated in the film.
9.Horror. A horror film is shown to bring fear to the audience. It includes supernatural beings like ghosts,
goblins, vampires and imaginary monsters to the story.
10.Comedy. The aim of this film is to induce laughter in the audience. There are two types of comedy.
The romantic comedy, which is a love story that is presented with music and humor; usually focuses on
chance encounters, mistaken identity, and use of disguises. On the other hand, slapstick comedy focuses
on using a physical or psychological defect or on using ill-mannered behavior of characters as sources of
laughter.
11.Musical. This is essentially a romantic comedy that is presented with dances, skits and songs. There
are four types of musical. These are the filmed sarswela, sarswela-type musical, Hollywood-type musical,
and new musical.
12.Period. A period film centers on characters and events, which are recreated in the movie, occur in a
historical place and time. A good example of this is Oro Plata Mata (1982), which tries to reconstruct life
in Negros before, during and immediately after the occupation of the Japanese

References:
Datuin, F.M. et.al. (2016). Contemporary Philippine Arts From The Regions. Rex Book Store, Inc.
Panisan, W.K. et.al. (2016). Contemporary Philippine Arts From The Regions. Mutya Publishing
House, Inc.